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Ramaphosa receives panel report on Iran's role in naval drill

Published

The Presidency said on Tuesday that President Cyril Ramaphosa has received the report of a panel led by Justice Ngoepe. It examined why his instruction on Iran's part in the exercise was not followed. The report stays confidential.

Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said Ramaphosa had told the government that Iran's navy should not take part in the Chinese-led exercise in South African waters. That instruction was not followed. Reports said Iran was meant only to view the drills.

The Presidency said the panel's work and report stay confidential because of national security. The findings and recommendations have not been made public. The Presidency said Ramaphosa will process the report and consider its recommendations carefully.

The investigation began in February 2026. The panel had one calendar month to finish, and the Presidency said it made a compelling case for more time. Justice M.M. Leeuw and Rear Admiral (Junior Grade) P.T. Duze also sat on the panel.

Reports said Vice Admiral Monde Lobese was investigated over the Iranian participation.

Key facts

Who
Cyril Ramaphosa (President of South Africa); Vincent Magwenya (Presidency spokesperson); Monde Lobese (Vice Admiral investigated over Iranian naval participation); Justice Ngoepe (chair of the investigating panel)
What
Ramaphosa is considering a report by a panel that investigated why a naval exercise, which included Iranian participation, did not follow his instructions limiting Iran's involvement to viewing the drills. The Presidency says the panel's work, including the report, is confidential due to national security considerations.
When
27 October 2026
Where
South Africa, False Bay, Iran
Status
Reported

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