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A Russian vessel arrives at the Simon’s Town Naval base ahead of the BRICS Plus countries which include China, Russia and Iran for a joint naval exercises in South Africa’s, in Cape Town, South Africa, January 9, 2026.
President Cyril Ramaphosa, who is commander in chief of the SANDF, has instituted a panel to investigate the failure to observe his order last month that the Iranian navy no longer participate in the Chinese-led Exercise Will of Peace that took place in South African waters.
The order came amid global concern last month about the crackdown by Tehran on protests in the country.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_48a11cB5w
The investigative panel will be led by Justice Bernard Ngoepe.
The panel has one month to conclude its probe.
The President’s spokesperson Vincent Magwenya says the panel will have the power to summon people including members of the National Defence Force and to request documents, including classified documents.
