The Latest Breaking News from SANDF

Why is South Africa’s army chief under fire for backing Iran?

General Rudzani Maphwanya’s comments in Iran come as South Africa is trying to negotiate tariff relief with Trump.

Al Jazeera · Aug 16, 2025

France ramps up diplomacy as M23 rebels advance in eastern DRC

President Emmanuel Macron is stepping up diplomatic efforts to address the worsening crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where violence between the Congolese army and M23 rebels has displaced hundreds of thousands. The rebels are reportedly supported by Rwandan forces, a claim Kigali denies.

Radio France Internationale · Jan 28, 2025

‘It’s the only way’: Migrants, army face-off along S Africa-Zimbabwe border

South Africa’s military has enhanced border operations along the Limpopo River to halt smugglers and illegal crossings.

Al Jazeera · Jan 7, 2025

South African Military Deployed to Flood-Ravaged Province

South Africa's armed forces have been deployed to help with relief efforts in the KwaZulu-Natal province, where more than 440 people died following torrential rains that triggered floods and mudslides last week. The Army has been instructed to activate 10,000 troops for tasks including mop-up work and transporting humanitarian aid,…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Apr 18, 2022

South Africa's military is set for personnel reforms. Why it matters

South Africa has the 26th most powerful military in the world, up from 32nd in 2012. It is ranked second in Africa, after Egypt. But, analysts have for years warned that the country’s military is in a state of critical decline. The defence ministry and military leaders have lamented the…

The Conversation · Mar 8, 2022