South Africa has appointed a senior judge to lead an inquiry into allegations that the country's navy ignored instructions from President Cyril Ramaphosa over Iran's participation in a multinational naval exercise.

Former judge Bernard Ngoepe will chair the investigation, which will examine claims that the South African Navy proceeded with Iran's involvement in the Exercise Will for Peace 2026 drills despite presidential concerns.

The exercises were held at Simon's Town, a key naval base near Cape Town, in the country's Western Cape province. The inquiry panel also includes Judges Monica Leeuw and Kathleen Satchwell, as well as Rear Admiral Patrick Duze.

The findings are expected to clarify issues of civilian oversight, military accountability, and South Africa's foreign policy positioning.

Lulu Gaboo spoke to Defence Analyst, Darren Oliver...