DA spokesperson on Defence and Military Veterans, Chris Hattingh MP, said the exercise appears to be a continuation of the controversial MOSI III naval drills, which were postponed last year due to their political and diplomatic sensitivity ahead of South Africa’s G20 engagements.

Hattingh said the rebranding of the exercise does not change its substance, noting that it is led by China and includes participation by Russia and Iran, both of which are subject to international sanctions and are involved in active conflicts.

“Hosting and training with such forces cannot be described as neutral or non aligned. It is a political choice, whether the government admits it or not,” Hattingh said.

He argued that the use of the name Will for Peace is misleading, particularly at a time when China is conducting large scale military exercises related to Taiwan. According to Hattingh, South Africa’s stated policy of non alignment is losing credibility as government actions increasingly contradict official rhetoric.

The DA further said South Africa’s participation in BRICS was intended to advance economic cooperation, not to undermine the international rules based order through military alignment with what it described as rogue states.

Hattingh also raised concerns about South Africa’s deteriorating defence relationships with democratic partners, citing the cancellation of joint military exercises with the United States and the absence of US participation in recent defence exhibitions.

He said Parliament has not been properly briefed on Exercise Will for Peace 2026, including its costs, command structure, legal framework or diplomatic implications.

“These decisions affect South Africa’s foreign relations, trade, security and international reputation and cannot be made behind closed doors,” he said.

The DA announced that it will formally request a full parliamentary briefing on the exercise, including its objectives, participants, leadership and financial implications.

Hattingh said the SANDF’s primary responsibility is to defend South Africa and its people, not to serve as a platform for global power politics.

He warned that South Africa risks being drawn into geopolitical contests through its defence choices, adding that transparency and constitutional oversight are essential in shaping the country’s defence and foreign policy.

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The exercise, titled Will for Peace 2026, will take place in South African waters from 9 to 16 January and will include naval forces from China, Russia and Iran.

According to the SANDF, the joint drill is focused on maritime safety, interoperability and the protection of shared sea routes rather than combat operations. “Exercise Will for Peace 2026 brings together navies from BRICS Plus countries for an intensive programme of joint maritime safety operations, interoperability drills and maritime protection serials,” said Brigadier General Nditsheni Singo, Acting General Officer Commanding Joint Operational Headquarters of the South African National Defence Force.

He added that the exercise reflects a collective commitment to strengthening maritime cooperation and shared operational procedures in support of peaceful maritime security initiatives. The announcement comes amid political debate within South Africa over the country’s foreign policy posture and military cooperation with global partners.

Government has previously stated that South Africa follows a non aligned approach in its international relations and engages with multiple global blocs. Defence officials have emphasised that multinational military exercises are routine and aimed at skills development, coordination and maritime security rather than signalling political alignment.

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