Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen has referred to as for South African Nationwide Defence Pressure chief Common Rudzani Maphwanya to face a courtroom martial after pledging his army and political help for Iran.
Picture: Glenneis Kriel
Talking on the 2025 Agri Western Cape Congress, held lately close to Rawsonville, Steenhuisen strongly condemned Maphwanya’s actions throughout a gathering with senior Iranian army officers final week.
Steenhuisen mentioned Maphwanya’s statements violated the South African Nationwide Defence Pressure’s (SANDF) responsibility of political neutrality and undermined civilian oversight of the army.
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Whereas the Division of Worldwide Relations and Cooperation and the Division of Defence have publicly dissociated authorities from Maphwanya’s remarks, confirming they didn’t replicate official coverage, Steenhuisen mentioned that the SANDF’s personal media response had been defensive and dismissive.
He added that Minister of Defence and Navy Veterans Angie Motshekga’s unwillingness to implement army self-discipline was alarming.
Steenhuisen emphasised authorities’s position was to create an enabling atmosphere that allowed South African producers to compete internationally.
“We now have put collectively a high-level negotiating group to dealer a take care of the US. The deal ticks all of the bins from a commerce perspective, however work remains to be wanted to ease geopolitical rigidity. Feedback like Maphwanya’s intrude on delicate terrain and will lead to a courtroom martial,” he defined.
Steenhuisen additionally outlined his imaginative and prescient for South African agriculture: a contemporary, aggressive, and inclusive sector that fed the nation, exported globally, and anchored rural prosperity.
“We’re embarking on a significant drive to develop markets for South African items. Our merchandise are among the many finest in high quality and value, guaranteeing that different international locations profit from our excellence,” he added.
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Steenhuisen concluded by saying the way forward for agriculture was not determined in authorities workplaces or boardrooms however by way of relationships.
“You aren’t alone. Your grit and innovation are seen. Authorities shouldn’t be seen as a passive regulator however a strategic companion within the progress agenda. This yr, as South Africa holds the G20, we’ve put agriculture on the forefront.
“We are going to use this platform to try for fairer commerce tariffs, sooner recognition of our high quality and phytosanitary [standards], and stronger investments in Africa’s agrifood methods. Let’s all pull in the best course to show that South Africa can feed itself and contribute to international meals safety,” he mentioned.
Immediately, Minister John Steenhuisen addressed the Agri Western Cape Congress in Rawsonville, emphasising the theme “Krag van Verbintenis” / “The Energy of Dedication.”
He highlighted the essential partnership between authorities and the agricultural sector, affirming that organised… pic.twitter.com/ge1AktFT3W
— Nationwide Division of Agriculture (@DOAgov_ZA) August 14, 2025
