Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen has called for South African National Defence Force chief General Rudzani Maphwanya to face a court martial after pledging his military and political support for Iran.
Photo: Glenneis Kriel
Speaking at the 2025 Agri Western Cape Congress, held recently near Rawsonville, Steenhuisen strongly condemned Maphwanya’s actions during a meeting with senior Iranian military officials last week.
Steenhuisen said Maphwanya’s statements violated the South African National Defence Force’s (SANDF) duty of political neutrality and undermined civilian oversight of the military.
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While the Department of International Relations and Cooperation and the Department of Defence have publicly dissociated government from Maphwanya’s remarks, confirming they did not reflect official policy, Steenhuisen said that the SANDF’s own media response had been defensive and dismissive.
He added that Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga’s unwillingness to enforce military discipline was alarming.
Steenhuisen emphasised government’s role was to create an enabling environment that allowed South African producers to compete internationally.
“We have put together a high-level negotiating team to broker a deal with the US. The deal ticks all the boxes from a trade perspective, but work is still needed to ease geopolitical tension. Comments like Maphwanya’s intrude on sensitive terrain and should result in a court martial,” he explained.
Steenhuisen also outlined his vision for South African agriculture: a modern, competitive, and inclusive sector that fed the nation, exported globally, and anchored rural prosperity.
“We are embarking on a major drive to expand markets for South African goods. Our products are among the best in quality and price, ensuring that other countries benefit from our excellence,” he added.
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Steenhuisen concluded by saying the future of agriculture was not decided in government offices or boardrooms but through relationships.
“You are not alone. Your grit and innovation are seen. Government should not be seen as a passive regulator but a strategic partner in the growth agenda. This year, as South Africa holds the G20, we have put agriculture at the forefront.
“We will use this platform to strive for fairer trade tariffs, faster recognition of our quality and phytosanitary [standards], and stronger investments in Africa’s agrifood systems. Let’s all pull in the right direction to prove that South Africa can feed itself and contribute to global food security,” he said.
Today, Minister John Steenhuisen addressed the Agri Western Cape Congress in Rawsonville, emphasising the theme “Krag van Verbintenis” / “The Power of Commitment.”
He highlighted the crucial partnership between government and the agricultural sector, affirming that organised… pic.twitter.com/ge1AktFT3W
— National Department of Agriculture (@DOAgov_ZA) August 14, 2025
