The same day Iran’s exit from Exercise Will for Peace became known, SA National Defence Force (SANDF) Chief General Rudzani Maphwanya was in Simon’s Town calling on commanders and crews of naval vessels in the exercise, now in its at sea phase.
Maphwanya, accompanied by Joint Operations Division Headquarters General Officer Commanding, Major General Godfrey Thulare, engaged with all commanders and crew aboard vessels, was briefed on operational readiness, ship capabilities and preparations for maritime operations on Monday, a post by Defence Corporate Communication staffer Thando Ramasimong has it.
The four-star is reported as saying: “Exercise Will for Peace gives us a chance to work side by side with our partner navies, sharing knowledge and capabilities while building trust at sea. Together, we strengthen our ability to tackle piracy, prevent illegal line crossings and ensure safe shipping routes for everyone as well as mutual support to maritime security”.
Maphwanya’s ship calls followed an inspection of Will for Peace participants by Vice Admiral Monde Lobese, SA Navy (SAN) Chief. He, according to Ramasimong, focussed on operational preparedness, professional interaction, and crew welfare ahead of the sea phase. He emphasised the importance of teamwork, inter-operability and encouraged crews to share their knowledge with each other and ensure smooth execution of maritime operations.
Daily Maverick quotes unnamed reports saying Iran’s exit from the at sea phase of Will for Peace was triggered by Pretoria urging the country to withdraw to “avoid antagonising the US (United States) in particular, at a sensitive time when the Iranian government is violently suppressing protests at home”.
