President Cyril Ramaphosa has formally received an independent panel report investigating how the Iranian navy participated in the multinational Exercise Will of Peace 2026 off the South African coast despite an earlier presidential instruction prohibiting it.
Panel Submission After Extension
The Presidency confirmed receipt of the document following a probe launched in February 2026. Justice Ngoepe chaired the investigation panel, assisted by Justice M.M. Leeuw and Rear Admiral (Junior Grade) P.T. Duze. While Ramaphosa initially instructed the panel to complete its work within one calendar month, the members requested an extension after presenting compelling reasons to the Presidency.
President @CyrilRamaphosa has received the panel report instituted to investigate the naval “Exercise MOSI III Will of Peace”. The President instituted the probe in February 2026, following circumstances surrounding the exercise that showed a failure to heed the President’s…
National Security Considerations Keep Findings Secret
Despite public interest surrounding the naval drills in False Bay, the Presidency announced that the report will not be made public. Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya stated that the work of the panel and the final report remain confidential due to national security considerations. Ramaphosa will now process the findings and carefully consider the panel’s recommendations.
International Scrutiny Over Exercise Will of Peace
The controversy stems from the participation of three Iranian warships in the Chinese-led military exercises. While the vessels arrived in False Bay, they did not sail out to sea with South African, Russian, Chinese, and Emirati warships for joint operations. The drills drew sharp criticism from the United States, which labeled the exercise unconscionable amid an ongoing crackdown on anti-government protests in Iran. The joint maneuvers also coincided with heightened diplomatic tensions following a US seizure of a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Naval Probe
Who led the independent investigation panel?
Justice Ngoepe chaired the inquiry, assisted by Justice M.M. Leeuw and Rear Admiral (Junior Grade) P.T. Duze.
Why were the Iranian warships excluded from active drills at sea?
President Cyril Ramaphosa issued an instruction prohibiting the Iranian navy from participating in the Chinese-led Exercise Will of Peace 2026, leading to a decision that kept the three Iranian vessels out of the joint operations conducted in False Bay.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has received a report from a panel investigating the naval exercise MOSI III, also known as Exercise Will of Peace.The investigation began in February 2026 after concerns that the South African Navy failed to comply with the President’s instruction… pic.twitter.com/nrvcwJugU6
Will the findings of the presidential inquiry be published?
NEWS JUST IN President Cyril Ramaphosa has received the report into Iran’s controversial participation in a naval exercise in South African waters, despite his orders to exclude the country.The findings will remain confidential due to security concerns.#KayaNews JJ
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