Chinese and Iranian warships docked off South Africa’s main navy base Thursday ahead of joint exercises, officials said.
The drills, titled “Will for Peace” and running January 9-16, are expected to include Russian vessels, the South African navy confirmed.
AFP journalists observed two Chinese ships in Cape Town’s False Bay harbour Wednesday, joined by an Iranian warship on Thursday.
South African officials said Russia would participate in the China-led exercise focused on maritime safety and protection of shipping lanes.
The defence force described the manoeuvres as promoting cooperation and “peaceful maritime security initiatives” among participating navies, it said last December.
Navies from BRICS countries, along with Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Indonesia, are slated to take part in the drills.
The exercises, previously known as Exercise Mosi, were postponed from November 2025 due to a scheduling clash with the G20 summit in Johannesburg.
South Africa’s Democratic Alliance criticised the government, saying parliament was not properly briefed on costs, command, or diplomatic consequences of the drills.
Chris Hattingh, DA spokesperson on defence, said military exercises should not quietly reshape South Africa’s neutrality or harm its international standing.
The DA, part of the ruling unity government after 2024 elections, pledged to demand transparency in parliament regarding the planned naval operations.
US President Donald Trump has accused BRICS nations of pursuing anti-American policies, casting a shadow over South Africa’s participation in the drills.
South Africa has faced repeated criticism from Washington for close ties to Russia and for its decision to pursue a Gaza genocide case at the ICJ.
The military was also criticised in 2023 for hosting naval drills with Russia and China on the anniversary of Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
Joint naval exercises between South Africa, Russia, and China first took place in 2019 and have continued amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Analysts say the “Will for Peace” drills highlight South Africa’s growing engagement with emerging powers while testing its relationships with Western allies.