SACP rallies behind under fire army chief over visit to Iran

THE South African Communist Party (SACP) has thrown its weight behind under fire South African National Defence Force (SANDF) chief General Rudzani Maphwanya, saying his recent trip to Iran was part of longstanding bilateral relations between the two countries.

- MANYANE MANYANE

Maphwanya, who travelled last Tuesday, held meetings with several high-ranking military officials, including Major General Aziz Nasizadeh, Iran's defence minister, Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, the chief of staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, and General Amir Hatami, the Iranian commander.

The trip was aimed at strengthening military cooperation.

According to Iranian newspaper Tehran Times, Maphwanya said that the two countries had common goals, and always stood alongside the oppressed and defenceless people of the world.

He also took aim at Israel over the continued war in Gaza as he reiterated support for the Palestinian people and told officials his visit "carries a political message" from Ramaphosa's administration.