President Cyril Ramaphosa received a confidential panel report on 27 October 2026 that investigated the participation of Iran’s navy in the Chinese-led Exercise MOSI III Will of Peace, held in South African waters near Simon’s Town and False Bay. The probe began in February this year after concerns that the President’s instruction to exclude the Islamic Republic of Iran’s navy from the exercise was not followed.
The investigation panel was chaired by Justice Ngoepe, assisted by Justice M.M. Leeuw and Rear Admiral (Junior Grade) P.T. Duze. The Presidency confirmed the report remains classified due to national security considerations as Ramaphosa considers its findings and recommendations.
“The President will be processing the report and carefully consider its recommendations. Due to national security considerations, the work of the panel, including the report, remains confidential,” a Presidency statement said. Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya reiterated that Ramaphosa had formally received the report and would begin reviewing its contents.
Exercise MOSI III Will of Peace was organised by China and took place in South African maritime zones, raising a series of diplomatic and governance questions after Iran’s navy participated despite a clear presidential directive against their involvement. Details of the panel’s findings and any recommendations have not been released to the public.
This probe marks a rare instance where presidential instructions related to national security and diplomatic engagement have been formally questioned through an independent panel. The confidential nature of the report underscores the sensitive geopolitics at play, involving China, Iran, and South Africa’s naval cooperation protocols.
South African news outlets including SAnews, EWN, and The Citizen reported consistently on the receipt of the report and the ongoing deliberations by Ramaphosa’s office, but no further disclosures have been made. The unfolding matter has drawn attention within political and defence circles due to its implications for South Africa’s foreign policy and security governance.
The Ray Ripani-led panel’s deeper findings remain unknown. CapeFlats News will continue monitoring developments and provide updates once official information becomes available regarding the report’s conclusions or any subsequent actions by the Presidency.