WSM on chilling actions by untouchable SANDF chief’s Iranian visit that multiplies SA economic chaos

General Rudzani Maphwanya, whose surname in his native Venda means “to crush”, is far from the politically appointed puppet assumed by many commentators. He is a battle-hardened warrior who commanded SA’s most significant military action since 1994 when 200 SANDF troops defended the CAR president against 7,000 rebels for three days. This reality introduces a chilling aspect to statements the General made during last week’s visit to Iran, an act threatening to torpedo SA’s diplomatic efforts to moderate US tariffs that threaten a hundred thousand jobs in the motor industry and agricultural sectors. William Saunderson-Meyer, author of the Jaundiced Eye, discusses the implications with BizNews editor Alec Hogg.