Rudzani Maphwanya
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Rudzani Maphwanya | |
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| Born | 23 November 1960 |
| Allegiance |  South Africa |
| Branch |  South African ArmyuMkhonto we Sizwe |
| Service years | 1978–present |
| Rank | General |
| Unit | Special Forces Brigade |
| Commands |
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| Awards |          |
| Spouse | Masindi Mulayo Maphwanya[1] |
General Rudzani Maphwanya SM MMM (born 23 November 1960)[1] is a South African military commander who served as Chief of Joint Operations from 2019 till May 2021. He was appointed Chief of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) on 1 June 2021.[2]
Maphwanya served in the uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) in Angola and integrated into the SANDF in 1994. He served as SO1 Operations, SSO Operations Special Forces Brigade, CoS Special Forces Brigade, GOC SA Army Infantry Formation, Chief Joint Operations Division. He was appointed as the SANDF Chief of Joint Operations on 1 November 2019.[3]
Controversies
General Rudzani Maphangwa has submitted his report about his trip to Iran.[4] Maphwanya has faced controversy for public statements expressing support for Hamas and Hezbollah in the context of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.[5][6] During his visit to Iran in August 2025, Maphwanya publicly endorsed the actions of the groups against Israel.[7][8] Hamas and Hezbollah are designated as terrorist organizations by a number of countries.[9][10] His comments were made following the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel, and drew mixed reactions.[11][8][12]
Awards and decorations
Medals
Southern Cross Medal (1975) (SM) 
Military Merit Medal (MMM) 
South Africa Service Medal (Umkonto we Sizwe) 
Tshumelo Ikatelaho (General Service Medal) 
Unitas (Unity) Medal 
Medalje vir Troue Diens (Medal for Loyal Service) (30 Year Clasp) 
Good Service Medal (Silver (20 Years)) 
Service Medal (Bronze) (Umkonto we Sizwe) 
Order of Military Merit (Grand Officer - Grande-Oficial) (Brazil)
Military Qualifications
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