Ngoepe to lead inquiry into Iran’s participation in naval exercise

Will for Peace 2026 naval exercises in Simon’s Town

The Department of Defence has established a Board of Inquiry to probe the circumstances surrounding Iran’s participation in the Will for Peace 2026 naval exercises at Simon’s Town, in the Western Cape, two weeks ago.

Retired Gauteng Judge President Bernard Ngoepe has been roped in to lead the investigation.

The week-long naval exercises were led by China and focused on maritime security.

South Africa, Russia, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and other BRICS-Plus nations participated.

Prior to the exercise, President Cyril Ramaphosa as the Commander-in-Chief of the SANDF had instructed for Iran’s exclusion.

BREAKING NEWS | Retired judge Bernard Ngoepe has been appointed to chair the inquiry into Iran’s participation in the recent Exercise Will for Peace 2026 in Cape Town. pic.twitter.com/HxoEVH8DJt

— SABC News (@SABCNews) January 28, 2026