PRETORIA, Tuesday 27 October 2026 — President Cyril Ramaphosa has received the findings of an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Iran’s involvement in a multinational naval exercise in South African waters, after his instruction to exclude the Iranian navy was not followed.
The Presidency confirmed on Tuesday that the panel led by retired judge Bernard Ngoepe had completed its work and submitted its report.
The findings and recommendations will remain confidential on national security grounds while Ramaphosa considers what action to take.
Panel investigates failure to follow presidential instruction
The investigation concerns Exercise MOSI III, also known as Will of Peace 2026, a Chinese-led multinational naval exercise conducted in South African waters in January.
Ramaphosa had instructed that the navy of the Islamic Republic of Iran should no longer participate in the exercise.
The Presidency subsequently said circumstances surrounding the operation indicated that the instruction had not been followed.
The precise extent of Iran’s operational participation has been disputed in public reporting.
The investigation was established to determine how the presidential directive was handled, identify any responsible officials and recommend possible consequences.
Inquiry moved under direct presidential authority
Ramaphosa initially sought an investigation through the defence establishment before establishing an independent panel reporting directly to his office in February.
The panel was chaired by Ngoepe and included judicial and military expertise.
Its original mandate required completion within one calendar month.
However, the Presidency said the panel demonstrated compelling reasons for extending the investigation beyond that deadline.
The report has now been submitted, although the Presidency has not disclosed its findings or identified any officials against whom action has been recommended.
National security concerns keep report confidential
Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said Ramaphosa would examine the report and carefully consider its recommendations.
The Presidency confirmed that the report and the panel’s proceedings would remain confidential because of national security considerations.
It has not indicated whether a summary of the findings will eventually be released.
The decision leaves unresolved public questions about the handling of presidential instructions within the South African National Defence Force and the Department of Defence.
No disciplinary finding or sanction against a particular official has been announced.
Naval exercise drew diplomatic scrutiny
The controversy attracted international attention because Iran’s participation in the exercise occurred during a period of strained relations between South Africa and the United States.
The naval activities involved countries with differing diplomatic and security relationships, including members of the expanded BRICS grouping.
South Africa has maintained that its international relationships are guided by an independent foreign policy and its commitments under international law.
The investigation concerns a separate question: whether an instruction issued by the President as Commander-in-Chief was properly implemented.
President to consider next steps
The Presidency has not announced a deadline for Ramaphosa to decide on the recommendations.
Possible further developments include administrative decisions, disciplinary processes or a decision to disclose portions of the report.
However, no such measures have been confirmed.
The immediate consequence of Tuesday’s announcement is that the investigation has moved from evidence gathering to presidential consideration.
Whether its findings result in accountability measures or changes to military command procedures will depend on the decisions Ramaphosa makes after reviewing the report.
