SANDF rejects claims of insurbodination by army general

Zuko Komisa

SANDF Rejects Claims of Insurbodination by Army Chief — Image: SANDF Twitter

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has refuted claims that General Rudzani Maphwanya, is defying Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga over the reinstatement of a wrongfully dismissed air force officer.
The SANDF confirmed that General Maphwanya is currently in consultation with the Minister and the Military Ombudsman to resolve the matter, emphasising his commitment to constitutional authority and due process.
The defence force labelled the media allegations of insubordination as “incorrect, misleading, and irresponsible,” assuring the public that the matter is being handled in strict compliance with military protocol and the law.

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has strongly denied recent media reports alleging that its chief, General Rudzani Maphwanya, is defying directives from the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga.

The allegations, which surfaced in a Sunday report by City Press, suggested that General Maphwanya had vowed not to reinstate Colonel Eugene Motati, an air force officer unlawfully dismissed in 2019 following an unproven sexual harassment claim.

The report claimed this stance was in defiance of a ministerial directive aligned with findings from the Military Ombudsman, which had ruled the dismissal unlawful.

In a statement, the SANDF dismissed the allegations as “incorrect, misleading, and irresponsible.”^{While not delving into the specifics of the case, citing privacy and military protocol, the defence force asserted that the insinuation that its chief is “defying” or “giving the middle finger” to the minister is baseless.}

The SANDF emphasised that General Maphwanya remains fully committed to the constitutional authority of the minister and is handling the matter with the “utmost respect and diligence.”

The statement confirmed that consultations are currently underway between the Chief of the SANDF, the Minister, and the Ombudsman to resolve the matter. The public and all stakeholders have been assured that due process is being followed and a final decision will be made in strict compliance with the law and established military procedures.