Overview
- The inquiry will examine Exercise Will for Peace, held 9–16 January off Simon’s Town, to establish how reported presidential instructions limiting Iran’s participation were handled.
- Defence Minister Angie Motshekga appointed Judge Bernard Ngoepe as chair with Judges Kathleen Satchwell and Mashangu Leeuw, plus retired Rear Admiral Patrick Duze as the sole military member.
- The minister set no new deadline after the initial seven‑day timeline lapsed and said the board will start work when its administrative setup is finished, with terms of reference not yet released.
- Some observers welcomed the civilian-heavy panel as a sign of independence, while SANDU’s Pikkie Greeff questioned whether the appointments comply with Section 101(4) of the Defence Act.
- Military analyst Helmoed Heitman raised concerns that accountability could be shifted onto officers and urged clarity on who authorized Iran’s participation, as the US Embassy publicly criticized South Africa over the episode.