SA's dubious ties with Iran

The ANC and MTN Group are like debris circling a plughole. Both are caught in the vortex of an Iranian whirlpool unleashed by the US. The liberation movement and the telecoms giant are beginning to grasp the steep costs of their embrace of Tehran.

- William Saunderson-Meyer

The diplomatic fiasco of SA's defence chief pledging political and military solidarity with Iran against the US and Israel was no impulsive slip by a rogue general. It reflects a pattern in which, many believe, Tehran rewards its political allies with covert funding and commercial partners with privileged access to deals.

It is still unclear whether General Rudzani Maphwanya's actions were a calculated signal from the ANC-led government of national unity (GNU) to Washington, or a case of bad timing.

Many commentators, along with the DA, have labelled him a "rogue general" demanding his early retirement, resignation, or cashiering. But the evidence suggests he is no outlier.