CAPE TOWN - The DA wants heads to roll over Iran's participation in the Will for Peace Exercise in Simon's Town.
The party says there has been a clear disregard for President Cyril Ramaphosa's instruction for Iran to withdraw.
A board of Inquiry has been established to look into the matter but the DA says it has very little faith that it will uncover any truth.
The naval exercise took place from 9 to 16 January.
The DA accuses the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) of defying President Cyril Ramaphosa’s order to exclude the Middle Eastern country.
Now, it wants Parliament to intervene, saying the SANDF cannot be allowed to operate with parallel lines of authority.
In August last year, the Chief of the SANDF, Rudzani Maphwanya, visited Iran without Ramaphosa's approval.
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DA's spokesperson on Defence, Chris Hattingh said: “What we are seeing now appears to be insubordination and this is very dangerous for South Africa.”
Hattingh said what unfolded looked more like defiance within the SANDF.
“There needs to be clarity on this. What happened? When it happened? The invitation to Iran must have been extended months ago. We cannot have a situation where the SANDF becomes rogue and does not adhere to civilian oversight.”
Dean Wingrin, defence expert, said Iran’s participation in defiance of presidential orders was embarrassing for South Africa.
“It’s really astounding and startling how this is unfolding. It appears there is no communication between the presidency, the ministry and the Department of Defence. It’s vital that there is a board of inquiry to establish what the president’s orders were.