# The Defence and Military Veterans Ministry says South African National Defence Force chief Rudzani Maphwanya’s trip to Iran was authorised by minister Angie Motshekga. Maphwanya’s endorsement of Iran’s stance on Gaza drew criticism, with president Cyril Ramaphosa distancing himself. Spokesperson Onicca Kwakwa told Newzroom Afrika the visit stemmed from a 2016 military cooperation agreement on health, cybersecurity, and technology:
Defence Ministry confirms SANDF chief’s trip to Iran was approved [SOUND]
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