List of South African military chiefs

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This article lists the South African military chiefs. From 1958 until the first democratic general election in 1994, the present-day South African National Defence Force was known as the South African Defence Force. From 1912 to 1958, the military was known as the Union Defence Force.

In terms of section 202(1) of the Constitution of South Africa, the military command of the Defence Force consists of[1] the Chief of the Defence Force plus the Chiefs of the combat arms (Army, Air Force and Navy) as well as

  • the Surgeon-General of the South African Military Health Service;
  • the Chief of Joint Operations of the Defence Force;
  • the Chief of Defence Intelligence;
  • the Chief of Human Resources; and
  • the Chief of Logistics.

Head of the Defence Force[edit]

The Defence Force consists of the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Medical Service (which was renamed Military Health Service in 1998). The Chief of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is the senior military commander and the chiefs of the four services, in addition to the chiefs of Joint Operations, Defence Intelligence, and Corporate Staff, report to him.[2] As of September 2018 the Chief of the SANDF is General Solly Shoke OMBG, SBS, MMS, OMS.

Chief of the UDF[edit]

The Union Defence Force (UDF) consisted initially of land forces. An aviation corps was formed in 1915 and replaced by the South African Air Force in 1920. A naval branch was added in 1922, and the South African Division of the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve was incorporated into it in 1942.

In 1951, the defence forces were reorganised into three distinct combat services: the South African Army, the South African Air Force, and the South African Navy. The organisation was renamed "South African Defence Force" in 1958.

The UDF had no overall commander for the first nine and a half years. From January 1922, the Chief of the General Staff, previously responsible only for the Defence Headquarters staff, was the executive commander of the UDF. The title was changed to 'Commandant General UDF' in September 1956.

No. Portrait Chief of the UDF Took office Left office Time in office Defence branch Ref.
1
Andries Brink CBE, DTD, DSO
Brink, AndriesMajor General
Andries Brink CBE, DTD, DSO
(1877–1947)
1 October 19221 May 193310 years, 212 days South African Army
2
Sir Pierre van Ryneveld KBE, CB, DSO, MC
Ryneveld, PierreGeneral
Sir Pierre van Ryneveld KBE, CB, DSO, MC
(1891–1972)
2 May 19331 May 194915 years, 364 days South African Air Force[3]
3
Leonard Beyers
Beyers, LeonardLieutenant General
Leonard Beyers
(1894–1959)
2 May 194915 March 1950317 days South African Army
4
Christiaan du Toit DSO
Toit, ChristiaanLieutenant General
Christiaan du Toit DSO
(1901–1982)
16 March 195022 September 19566 years, 190 days South African Army
5
Hendrik Klopper DSO
Klopper, HendrikGeneral
Hendrik Klopper DSO
(1903–1977)
23 September 195624 September 19582 years, 1 day South African Army
6
Stephen Melville SSA, OBE
Melville, StephenGeneral
Stephen Melville SSA, OBE
(1904–1977)
25 September 195831 October 195836 days South African Air Force

Chief of the SADF[edit]

The UDF was renamed 'South African Defence Force' in November 1958.[4] The Commandant General's title was then changed to 'Commandant General SADF'. It was changed to 'Chief of the SADF' in July 1973, after Admiral Hugo Biermann assumed the post the year before. After South Africa's first democratic election, the South African Defence Force (SADF) became the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).

No. Portrait Chief of the SADF Took office Left office Time in office Defence branch Ref.
1
Stephen Melville SSA, OBE
Melville, StephenGeneral
Stephen Melville SSA, OBE
(1904–1977)
1 November 195831 December 19602 years, 60 days South African Air Force
2
Pieter Grobbelaar SSA, DSO
Grobbelaar, PieterGeneral
Pieter Grobbelaar SSA, DSO
(1908–1988)
1 January 196131 December 19654 years, 364 days South African Army
3
Rudolph Hiemstra SSA, SM
Hiemstra, RudolphGeneral
Rudolph Hiemstra SSA, SM
(1912–2007)
1 January 196631 March 19726 years, 90 days South African Air Force
4
Hugo Biermann SSA, SD, OBE, GCIH
Biermann, HugoAdmiral
Hugo Biermann SSA, SD, OBE, GCIH
(1916–2012)
1 April 197231 August 19764 years, 152 days South African Navy
5
Magnus Malan SSA, OMSG, SD, SM
Malan, MagnusGeneral
Magnus Malan SSA, OMSG, SD, SM
(1930–2011)
1 September 19766 October 19804 years, 35 days South African Army
6
Constand Viljoen SSA, SD, SOE, SM, MMM, ORB
Viljoen, ConstandGeneral
Constand Viljoen SSA, SD, SOE, SM, MMM, ORB
(1933–2020)
7 October 198030 October 19855 years, 23 days South African Army[5]
7
Johannes Geldenhuys SSAS, SD, SOE, SM, GCIH, ORB
Geldenhuys, JohannesGeneral
Johannes Geldenhuys SSAS, SD, SOE, SM, GCIH, ORB
(1935–2018)
1 November 198531 October 19904 years, 364 days South African Army
8
Andreas Liebenberg SSAS, SD, SOE, SM, MMM
Liebenberg, AndreasGeneral
Andreas Liebenberg SSAS, SD, SOE, SM, MMM
(1938–1998)
1 November 199031 October 19932 years, 364 days South African Army
9
Georg Meiring SSAS, SD, SM, MMM, ORB
Meiring, GeorgGeneral
Georg Meiring SSAS, SD, SM, MMM, ORB
(born 1939)
1 November 199330 April 1994180 days South African Army

Chief of the SANDF[edit]

The SADF amalgamated with the Azanian People's Liberation Army (APLA), Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK), and the homeland defence forces to form the South African National Defence Force in 1994. The SANDF was based on the existing SADF structure of Army, Air Force, Navy, and Medical Service (which was renamed Military Health Service in 1998).

No. Portrait Chief of the SANDF Took office Left office Time in office Defence branch Ref.
1
Georg Meiring SSAS, SD, SM, MMM, ORB
Meiring, GeorgGeneral
Georg Meiring SSAS, SD, SM, MMM, ORB
(born 1939)
27 April 199431 May 19984 years, 34 days South African Army
2
Siphiwe Nyanda SSA, SBS, CLS, DMG, MMS, MMM
Nyanda, SiphiweGeneral
Siphiwe Nyanda SSA, SBS, CLS, DMG, MMS, MMM
(born 1950)
1 June 199831 May 20056 years, 364 days South African Army
3
Godfrey Ngwenya SBG, DMG, MMS, LOM (USA)
Ngwenya, GodfreyGeneral
Godfrey Ngwenya SBG, DMG, MMS, LOM (USA)
(born 1950)
1 June 20051 May 20115 years, 334 days South African Army
4
Solly Shoke OMBG, SBS, MMS, OMS
Shoke, SollyGeneral
Solly Shoke OMBG, SBS, MMS, OMS
(born 1956)
2 May 201130 May 202110 years, 28 days South African Army[6]
5
Rudzani Maphwanya SM, MMM
Maphwanya, RudzaniGeneral
Rudzani Maphwanya SM, MMM
(born 1960)
1 June 2021Incumbent2 years, 296 days South African Army[7]

Chief of the Army[edit]

The Chief of the South African Army is the professional head of the Army. There was no separate army commander until 1948. The post was called 'Director-General of Land Forces'[8] 1948–51 and 'Army Chief of Staff' 1951–66, and has been 'Chief of the Army' since 1966.

No. Portrait Chief of the Army Took office Left office Time in office Ref.
1
Christiaan du Toit DSO
du Toit, ChristianBrigadier
Christiaan du Toit DSO
(1901–1982)
10 November 194815 March 19501 year, 125 days[9]: 92 [8]
2
Hendrik Klopper DSO
Klopper, HendrikBrigadier
Hendrik Klopper DSO
(1903–1977)
16 March 195030 April 19533 years, 45 days[9]: 94 
3
Pieter Grobbelaar SSA, DSO
Grobbelaar, PieterMajor General
Pieter Grobbelaar SSA, DSO
(1908–1988)
1 May 195324 September 19585 years, 146 days[9]: 93 
4
Nick Bierman SSA, SM, CBE
Bierman, NickMajor General
Nick Bierman SSA, SM, CBE
(1910–1977)
25 September 195831 October 19591 year, 36 days[9]: 89 
5
Sybrand Engelbrecht SM
Engelbrecht, SybrandMajor General
Sybrand Engelbrecht SM
(1913–1994)
1 November 19593 March 19633 years, 122 days[9]: 92 
6
Petrus Jacobs SSA, SM
Jacobs, PetrusMajor General
Petrus Jacobs SSA, SM
(1910–1967)
4 March 196331 December 19652 years, 302 days[9]: 93 
7
Charles 'Pop' Fraser SSA, SM
Fraser, CharlesLieutenant General
Charles 'Pop' Fraser SSA, SM
(1915–1994)
1 January 196630 November 19671 year, 333 days[9]: 92 
8
Willem Louw SSA, SM
Louw, WillemLieutenant General
Willem Louw SSA, SM
(1920–1980)
1 December 196730 June 19735 years, 211 days[9]: 94 
9
Magnus Malan SSA, OMSG, SD, SM
Malan, MagnusLieutenant General
Magnus Malan SSA, OMSG, SD, SM
(1930–2011)
1 July 197331 August 19763 years, 61 days[9]: 95 
10
Constand Viljoen SSA, SD, SOE, SM, MMM, ORB
Viljoen, ConstandLieutenant General
Constand Viljoen SSA, SD, SOE, SM, MMM, ORB
(1933–2020)
1 September 19766 October 19804 years, 30 days
11
Johannes Geldenhuys SSA, SD, SOE, SM, MMM, GCIH, ORB
Geldenhuys, JohannesLieutenant General
Johannes Geldenhuys SSA, SD, SOE, SM, MMM, GCIH, ORB
(1935–2018)
7 October 198030 October 19855 years, 23 days[9]: 92 
12
Andreas Liebenberg SSAS, SD, SOE, SM, MMM
Liebenberg, AndreasLieutenant General
Andreas Liebenberg SSAS, SD, SOE, SM, MMM
(1938–1998)
1 November 198528 February 19904 years, 119 days
13
Georg Meiring SSA, SD, SM, MMM, ORB
Meiring, GeorgLieutenant General
Georg Meiring SSA, SD, SM, MMM, ORB
(born 1939)
1 March 199031 October 19933 years, 244 days
14
Hattingh Pretorius SD, SM, MMM
Pretorius, HattinghLieutenant General
Hattingh Pretorius SD, SM, MMM
(1942–2008)
1 November 199331 December 19941 year, 60 days
15
Reginald Otto SD & Bar, SM, MMM
Otto, ReginaldLieutenant General
Reginald Otto SD & Bar, SM, MMM
(born 1943)
1 January 199530 June 19983 years, 180 days
16
Gilbert Ramano SSAS, SD, MMS, MMM, MMB
Ramano, GilbertLieutenant General
Gilbert Ramano SSAS, SD, MMS, MMM, MMB
(born 1939)
1 July 199831 May 20045 years, 335 days
17
Solly Shoke OMBG, SBS, MMS, OMS
Shoke, SollyLieutenant General
Solly Shoke OMBG, SBS, MMS, OMS
(born 1956)
1 June 20041 May 20116 years, 334 days
18
Vusumuzi Masondo MMM
Masondo, VusumuziLieutenant General
Vusumuzi Masondo MMM
(born 1957)
1 October 201131 January 20164 years, 122 days[10]
19
Lindile Yam
Yam, LindileLieutenant General
Lindile Yam
(born 1960)
1 February 201631 October 20193 years, 272 days[11]
20
Thabiso Mokhosi
Mokhose, ThabisoLieutenant General
Thabiso Mokhosi
(c. 1968–2019)
1 November 201910 December 2019 †39 days[12][13][14][non-primary source needed][15]
21
Lawrence Mbatha
Mbatha, LawrenceLieutenant General
Lawrence Mbatha
(born 1968)
9 April 2020Incumbent3 years, 349 days[16]

Lieutenant General Werndly van der Riet[9]: 98  and Major General Mannetjies de Goede[12] spent some time acting as Chief of the Army.

Chief of the Air Force[edit]

The Chief of the South African Air Force is the professional head of the Air Force. The post was called 'Director of Air Services' 1920–33, 'Director of Air & Technical Services' 1937–39, 'Director-General of Air Services' 1939–41, 'Director-General of the Air Force' 1941–51, and 'Air Chief of Staff' 1951–66, and has been 'Chief of the Air Force' since 1966.

No. Portrait Chief of the Air Force Took office Left office Time in office Ref.
1
Sir Pierre van Ryneveld KBE, CB, DSO, MC
van Ryneveld, PierreColonel
Sir Pierre van Ryneveld KBE, CB, DSO, MC
(1891–1972)
1 February 192030 September 193717 years, 241 days[17]
2
Francis Hoare CB, CBE
Hoare, FrancisColonel
Francis Hoare CB, CBE
(1879–1959)
1 October 193731 October 193730 days
3
Hector Daniel CBE, MC, AFC
Daniel, HectorLieutenant Colonel
Hector Daniel CBE, MC, AFC
(1898–1953)
1 November 193712 September 19392 years, 41 days
4
John Holthouse OBE
Holthouse, JohnColonel
John Holthouse OBE
(1891–1964)
13 September 193930 September 19401 year, 17 days
5
Christoffel Venter CB, DFC & bar
Venter, ChristoffelMajor General
Christoffel Venter CB, DFC & bar
(1892–1977)
1 October 194016 October 19455 years, 15 days
6
Harold Willmott CBE
Willmott, HaroldBrigadier
Harold Willmott CBE
(1899–1993)
17 October 194510 September 1946328 days
7
James 'Jimmy' Durrant CB, DFC
Durrant, JimmyBrigadier
James 'Jimmy' Durrant CB, DFC
(1913–1990)
1 October 194630 June 19514 years, 272 days
(6)
Harold Willmott CBE
Willmott, HaroldBrigadier
Harold Willmott CBE
(1899–1993)
1 July 195124 August 19543 years, 54 days
8
Stephen Melville SSA, OBE
Melville, StephenBrigadier
Stephen Melville SSA, OBE
(1904–1977)
25 August 195422 September 19562 years, 28 days
9
Barend Viljoen SSA, OBE
Viljoen, BarendMajor General
Barend Viljoen SSA, OBE
(1908–1995)
23 September 195630 April 19658 years, 219 days
10
Henry 'Kalfie' Martin SM, CBE, DFC
Martin, KalfieLieutenant General
Henry 'Kalfie' Martin SM, CBE, DFC
(1910–2000)
1 May 196530 November 19672 years, 213 days
11
Jacobus Verster SSA, SM
Verster, JacobusLieutenant General
Jacobus Verster SSA, SM
(1919–1981)
1 December 196728 February 19757 years, 89 days
12
Robert 'Bob' Rogers SSA, SM, MMM, DSO, DFC & bar
Rogers, BobLieutenant General
Robert 'Bob' Rogers SSA, SM, MMM, DSO, DFC & bar
(1921–2000)
1 March 197530 November 19794 years, 274 days
13
Michal Muller SSAS, SD
Muller, MichalLieutenant General
Michal Muller SSAS, SD
(born 1930)
1 December 197929 February 19844 years, 90 days
14
Denis Earp SSA, SD, SM, SOE
Earp, DenisLieutenant General
Denis Earp SSA, SD, SM, SOE
(1930–2019)
1 March 198430 June 19884 years, 121 days
15
Jan van Loggerenberg SSAS, SD, SOE, SM, MMM, ORB
van Loggerenberg, JanLieutenant General
Jan van Loggerenberg SSAS, SD, SOE, SM, MMM, ORB
(born 1935)
1 July 198831 October 19913 years, 122 days
16
James Kriel SSAS, SD, SM, MMM
Kriel, JamesLieutenant General
James Kriel SSAS, SD, SM, MMM
(1942–2016)
1 November 199130 April 19964 years, 181 days
17
Willem Hechter SSA, SD, SM, MMM
Hechter, WillemLieutenant General
Willem Hechter SSA, SD, SM, MMM
(born 1942)
1 May 199629 February 20003 years, 304 days[17]
18
Roelf Beukes SD, SM, MMM
Beukes, RoelfLieutenant General
Roelf Beukes SD, SM, MMM
1 March 200028 February 20054 years, 364 days
19
Carlo Gagiano SM, MMM
Gagiano, CarloLieutenant General
Carlo Gagiano SM, MMM
(born 1951)
1 March 200530 September 20127 years, 213 days
20
Fabian Msimang SM, MMM
Msimang, FabianLieutenant General
Fabian Msimang SM, MMM
(born 1960)
1 October 201230 September 20207 years, 365 days[18]
Mzayifani Buthelezi
Buthelezi, MzayifaniLieutenant General
Mzayifani Buthelezi
(born 1965)
Acting
30 September 20201 June 2021244 days[19]
21
Wiseman Mbambo
Mbambo, WisemanLieutenant General
Wiseman Mbambo
(born 1966)
1 June 2021Incumbent2 years, 296 days[7]

Chief of the Navy[edit]

The Chief of the South African Navy is the professional head of the Navy. The post was called 'Officer Commanding South African Naval Service' 1922–32, 'Director, Seaward Defence Force' 1940–42, 'Director, South African Naval Forces' 1942–51, 'Naval & Marine Chief of Staff' 1951–55, and 'Naval Chief of Staff' 1955–66, and has been 'Chief of the Navy' since 1966.


No. Portrait Chief of the Navy Took office Left office Time in office Ref.
1
Norman Rankin
Rankin, NormanCommander
Norman Rankin
1 April 19223 June 19286 years, 63 days
2
Robert F.U.P. Fitzgerald
Fitzgerald, RobertCommander
Robert F.U.P. Fitzgerald
4 June 19284 November 19324 years, 153 days
Position of the Chief of the Navy did not exist from 1932 to 1939[a]
3
Guy Hallifax CMG
Hallifax, GuyRear Admiral
Guy Hallifax CMG
(1884–1941)
16 September 193928 March 1941 †1 year, 193 days
4
James Dalgleish CBE
Dalgleish, JamesCommodore
James Dalgleish CBE
(1891–1964)
28 March 194130 November 19465 years, 247 days
5
Frederick Dean OBE
Dean, FrederickCommodore
Frederick Dean OBE
(1900–1983)
1 December 194630 June 19514 years, 211 days
6
Pieter de Waal CB, CBE
de Waal, PieterBrigadier
Pieter de Waal CB, CBE
(1899–1977)
1 July 195130 November 19521 year, 152 days
7
Hugo Biermann SSA, SD, OBE, GCIH
Biermann, HugoVice Admiral
Hugo Biermann SSA, SD, OBE, GCIH
(1916–2012)
1 December 195231 March 197219 years, 121 days
8
James 'Flam' Johnson SSA, SM, DSC
Johnson, JamesVice Admiral
James 'Flam' Johnson SSA, SM, DSC
(1918–1990)
1 April 197230 September 19775 years, 182 days
9
Johan Charl Walters SD, SM, MMM
Walters, Johan CharlVice Admiral
Johan Charl Walters SD, SM, MMM
(1919–1993)
1 October 197730 January 19802 years, 121 days
10
Ronald A. Edwards SSAS, SM, MMM
Edwards, Ronald A.Vice Admiral
Ronald A. Edwards SSAS, SM, MMM
(1923–2014)
1 February 198030 September 19822 years, 241 days
11
Andries P 'Dries' Putter SSAS, SD, MMM
Putter, AndriesVice Admiral
Andries P 'Dries' Putter SSAS, SD, MMM
(1935–2014)
1 October 198230 June 19852 years, 272 days
12
Glen Syndercombe SSA, SD, SOE, SM, MMM
Syndercombe, GlenVice Admiral
Glen Syndercombe SSA, SD, SOE, SM, MMM
(1931–2005)
1 July 198531 March 19893 years, 273 days
(11)
Andries P 'Dries' Putter SSAS, SD, MMM
Putter, AndriesVice Admiral
Andries P 'Dries' Putter SSAS, SD, MMM
(1935–2014)
1 April 198930 June 19901 year, 90 days
13
Lambert J 'Woody' Woodburne DVR, SD, SM
Woodburne, LambertVice Admiral
Lambert J 'Woody' Woodburne DVR, SD, SM
(1939–2013)
1 July 199031 August 19922 years, 61 days
14
Robert Simpson-Anderson SSAS, SD, SM, MMM
Simpson-Anderson, RobertVice Admiral
Robert Simpson-Anderson SSAS, SD, SM, MMM
(born 1942)
1 September 199231 October 20008 years, 60 days
15
Johan Retief SD & Bar, PG, SM, MMM
Retief, JohanVice Admiral
Johan Retief SD & Bar, PG, SM, MMM
(born 1946)
1 November 200028 February 20054 years, 119 days
16
Refiloe Johannes Mudimu CLS, DMG, SM, MMS, MMM, MMB
Mudimu, Refiloe JohannesVice Admiral
Refiloe Johannes Mudimu CLS, DMG, SM, MMS, MMM, MMB
(born 1954)
1 March 200531 March 20149 years, 30 days[20]
17
Samuel Hlongwane MMS, MMB
Hlongwane, SamuelVice Admiral
Samuel Hlongwane MMS, MMB
(born 1962)
1 April 201430 June 20228 years, 90 days[21]
18
Monde Lobese MMS, MMB
Lobese, MondeVice Admiral
Monde Lobese MMS, MMB
1 November 2022Incumbent1 year, 143 days[22]

Surgeon General[edit]

The Surgeon General is the Chief of the South African Military Health Service (SAMHS), which was known as the South African Medical Service (SAMS) before 1994.

No. Portrait Surgeon General Took office Left office Time in office Ref.
South African Medical Service
1
Eugene Raymond SSA, SM
Raymond, EugeneMajor General
Eugene Raymond SSA, SM
(born 1923)
1 February 196031 March 19699 years, 58 days
2
Colin Cockcroft SSA, SM, SSA, SD, SM, MMM
Cockcroft, ColinLieutenant General
Colin Cockcroft SSA, SM, SSA, SD, SM, MMM
(1917–1987)
1 April 196931 October 19778 years, 213 days
3
Nicolaas Nieuwoudt SSA, SD, SM
Nieuwoudt, NicolaasLieutenant General
Nicolaas Nieuwoudt SSA, SD, SM
(1929–1989)
1 November 197729 February 198810 years, 120 days
4
Daniel Knobel SD, SOE, SM, MMM, KStJ, MBC, HB, PHD
Knobel, DanielLieutenant General
Daniel Knobel SD, SOE, SM, MMM, KStJ, MBC, HB, PHD
(1936–2021)
1 March 198827 April 19946 years, 57 days
South African Military Health Service
1
Daniel Knobel SD, SOE, SM, MMM, KStJ, MBC, HB, PHD
Knobel, DanielLieutenant General
Daniel Knobel SD, SOE, SM, MMM, KStJ, MBC, HB, PHD
(1936–2021)
27 April 199430 November 19973 years, 217 days
2
Davidson Masuku SSAS, MMM, KStJ
Masuku, DavidsonLieutenant General
Davidson Masuku SSAS, MMM, KStJ
(1940–2000)
1 December 199730 September 20002 years, 334 days[23]
3
Jurinus Janse van Rensburg SD, SM, MMM, KStJ
Rensburg, Jurinus JanseLieutenant General
Jurinus Janse van Rensburg SD, SM, MMM, KStJ
(born 1952)
1 October 200031 July 20054 years, 303 days
4
Vejaynand Ramlakan DMG, MMS, MMB, KStJ
Ramlakan, VejaynandLieutenant General
Vejaynand Ramlakan DMG, MMS, MMB, KStJ
(1957–2020)
1 August 200531 March 20137 years, 242 days
5
Aubrey Sedibe DMG, MMS, MMB, OStJ, MBC, HB, PHD
Sedibe, AubreyLieutenant General
Aubrey Sedibe DMG, MMS, MMB, OStJ, MBC, HB, PHD
(born 1957)
1 April 201331 October 20196 years, 213 days
6
Zola Dabula
Dabula, ZolaLieutenant General
Zola Dabula
(born 1956)
1 November 201931 October 20211 year, 364 days[13]
7
Ntshavheni Maphaha
Maphaha, NtshavheniLieutenant General
Ntshavheni Maphaha
(born 1966)
1 November 2021Incumbent2 years, 143 days[19]

Chief of Joint Operations[edit]

No. Portrait Chief of Joint Operations Took office Left office Time in office Defence branch Ref.
1
Deon Ferreira PVD, SD, SM, MMM
Ferreira, DeonLieutenant General
Deon Ferreira PVD, SD, SM, MMM
(1946–2002)
1 August 199731 December 20003 years, 152 days South African Army
2
Godfrey Ngwenya SBG, DMG, MMS, LOM (USA)
Ngwenya, GodfreyLieutenant General
Godfrey Ngwenya SBG, DMG, MMS, LOM (USA)
(born 1950)
1 January 200131 May 20054 years, 150 days South African Army
3
Sipho Binda MMS
Binda, SiphoLieutenant General
Sipho Binda MMS
(1952–2006)
1 June 200510 November 2006 †1 year, 162 days South African Army[24]
4
Themba Matanzima CCM, SM, MMM
Matanzima, ThembaLieutenant General
Themba Matanzima CCM, SM, MMM
(born 1953)
1 September 200730 September 20114 years, 29 days South African Army
5
Derrick Mgwebi
Mgwebi, DerrickLieutenant General
Derrick Mgwebi
(born 1956)
1 October 201131 January 20164 years, 122 days South African Army[10]
6
Duma Mdutyana MMB
Mdutyana, DumaLieutenant General
Duma Mdutyana MMB
(1960–2016)
1 February 20166 July 2016 †156 days South African Army[25]
7
Barney Hlatswayo
Hlatswayo, BarneyLieutenant General
Barney Hlatswayo
(born 1958)
1 January 201731 October 20192 years, 303 days South African Army
8
Rudzani Maphwanya
Maphwanya, RudzaniLieutenant General
Rudzani Maphwanya
(born 1960)
1 November 201930 May 20211 year, 210 days South African Army[13]
9
Siphiwe Sangweni
Sangweni, SiphiweLieutenant General
Siphiwe Sangweni
1 June 2021Incumbent2 years, 296 days South African Army[19]

Chief of Corporate Staff[edit]

The Chief of Corporate Staff is responsible for the provision of all staff services for the SANDF.[26]

No. Portrait Chief of Corporate Staff Took office Left office Time in office Defence branch Ref.
1
Martyn Trainor SD, SM, MMM
Trainor, MartynVice Admiral
Martyn Trainor SD, SM, MMM
(born 1944)
1 October 200031 January 20043 years, 122 days South African Navy
2
Themba Matanzima CCM, SM, MMM
Matanzima, ThembaLieutenant General
Themba Matanzima CCM, SM, MMM
(born 1953)
1 February 200431 July 20051 year, 180 days South African Army
3
Jurinus Janse van Rensburg SD, SM, MMM, KStJ
Rensburg, Jurinus JanseLieutenant General
Jurinus Janse van Rensburg SD, SM, MMM, KStJ
(born 1952)
1 August 200530 April 20104 years, 272 daysSouth African Military Health Service
Louis Dlulane
Dlulane, LouisMajor General
Louis Dlulane
(born 1952)
Acting
1 May 201030 March 20132 years, 333 days South African Army[27]
4
Vejaynand Ramlakan DMG, MMS, MMB, KStJ
Ramlakan, VejaynandLieutenant General
Vejaynand Ramlakan DMG, MMS, MMB, KStJ
(born 1957)
1 April 201331 May 20152 years, 60 daysSouth African Military Health Service[27]
5
Vusumuzi Masondo MMM
Masondo, VusumuziLieutenant General
Vusumuzi Masondo MMM
(born 1957)
1 February 201631 October 20193 years, 272 days South African Army[27]
6
Lindile Yam
Yam, LindiweLieutenant General
Lindile Yam
(born 1960)
1 November 201931 October 20222 years, 364 days South African Army[13]
7
Michael Ramantswana
Ramantswana, MichaelLieutenant General
Michael Ramantswana
1 November 2022Incumbent1 year, 143 days South African Army[22]>

Sgts Major[edit]

Sergeants Major of the Defence Force
From Union Defence Force (UDF) (prior to 1957) To
1947 WO1 James Samuel Hulme[b] 1950
1950 WO1 David Goldblatt [c] 1953
1953 WO1 John Pelham Mundy[d] 1956
1956 WO1 Thomas Benjamin Brown[e] 1957
From SADF (prior to 1994) To
1961 WO1 J. A. van der Merwe 1964
1964 WO1 F. P. Marais 1966
1966 WO1 W. J. van Rensburg 1969
1969 WO1 W. R. Myburgh 1972
1972 WO1 J. C. Smit 1976
1976 WO1 J. A. Schoeman 1980
1980 WO1 J. J. Grobbelaar 1983
1983 WO1 C. J. Badenhorst 1987
1987 WO1 P. J. van der Merwe 1990
1990 WO1 W. E. W. Fourie 1991
1991 WO1 G. Moorcroft 1993
1993 WO1 J. L. Calitz 1994
From SANDF (post 1994) To
1994 WO1 J. L. Calitz 1998
1998 WO1 J. J. van Zyl 2003
2003 WO1 L. J. Green 2006
2006 WO1 M. J. Nortjé 2009
2009 WO1 P. J. Appelgryn 2010
2010 WO1 D. E. Motau 2013
2013 WO1 P. R. Masondo 2015
2015 A. G. Mashaba 2018
2018 WO1 L. M. Masemola 2021
2021 WO1 N. Maphaha 23 March 2024

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ During this period, the Navy disposed of its ships and reduced personnel to a few administrative staff due to the Great Depression.
  2. ^ WO1 James Samuel Hulme was the first Sergeant Major of the Union Defence Force (UDF), serving from 1947 to 1950. Prior to his appointment as Sergeant Major, he had served in the British Army during World War II, where he was awarded the Military Medal for his bravery in action. He later served in the South African Army until his retirement in 1950.
    As the first Sergeant Major of the UDF, Hulme played an important role in establishing the position and the responsibilities that would come with it. He was responsible for the discipline, training, and morale of the soldiers under his command, and worked closely with officers to ensure that their commands were carried out effectively. He also acted as a liaison between the enlisted soldiers and the officers, and helped to address any concerns or issues that arose.
  3. ^ WO1 David Goldblatt was the second Sergeant Major of the Union Defence Force, serving from 1950 to 1953. Prior to his appointment as Sergeant Major, he had served in the South African Army, including service in North Africa during World War II.
    As Sergeant Major, Goldblatt was responsible for maintaining the discipline and morale of the troops under his command, as well as ensuring that they were properly trained and equipped. He also played a role in the development of the South African Army's non-commissioned officer corps, and was instrumental in the creation of the rank of Warrant Officer Class 1, which became the highest rank attainable by non-commissioned officers in the South African military.
    After his retirement from the military, Goldblatt became involved in various veterans' organizations, and continued to work to improve the status and recognition of non-commissioned officers in the South African military.
  4. ^ WO1 John Pelham Mundy was a highly decorated soldier in the South African military who served as the third Sergeant Major of the Union Defence Force from 1953 to 1956.
    Mundy joined the South African Army in 1940 and served in North Africa during World War II. He was awarded several decorations for his bravery in combat, including the Military Medal, the Africa Star, and the War Medal.
    As Sergeant Major, Mundy played an important role in the development of the South African Army's non-commissioned officer corps. He was also known for his dedication to the welfare of the troops under his command, and was often called upon to mediate disputes and resolve conflicts between soldiers.
    After his retirement from the military in 1956, Mundy continued to work to improve the status and recognition of non-commissioned officers in the South African military. He also served as a mentor to many young soldiers, and was widely respected for his leadership and integrity.
  5. ^ WO1 Thomas Benjamin Brown was a highly decorated soldier in the South African military who served as the Sergeant Major of the Union Defence Force from 1947 to 1953.
    Brown joined the South African Army in 1939 and served in North Africa during World War II. He was awarded several decorations for his bravery in combat, including the Military Medal, the Africa Star, and the War Medal.
    As Sergeant Major, Brown was responsible for the training and discipline of non-commissioned officers in the South African Army. He was also involved in the development of the South African Army's non-commissioned officer corps and played a key role in creating a professional and disciplined military force.
    After his retirement from the military, Brown remained active in veterans' organizations and continued to advocate for the recognition and welfare of non-commissioned officers in the South African military. He was widely respected for his leadership and commitment to service.

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Chapter 1 : Introductory Provisions 4A. Military Command of Defence Force". Defence Act (Act No. 42 of 2002). Parliament of South Africa. 2002.
  2. ^ Defence Act (Act No. 42 of 2002). Parliament of South Africa. 2002.
  3. ^ Ellis, Johan (2000). "Oswald Pirow's Five-Year Plan for the Reorganisation of the Union Defence Force, 1933–1938". South African Journal of Military Studies. 30 (2).
  4. ^ "Defence Act 44 of 1957" (PDF). 1957. Archived from the original (PDF) on 23 September 2015. Retrieved 5 July 2012.
  5. ^ Hamann, Hilton (2001). "Introduction". Days of the Generals. Cape Town: Zebra Press (Struck Publishers). ISBN 1-86872-340-2.
  6. ^ "Chief of the SANDF, General S. Shoke". Department of Defence. Archived from the original on 16 January 2018. Retrieved 16 January 2018.
  7. ^ a b Seleka, Ntwaagae (14 April 2021). "Ramaphosa announces Lt-General Rudzani Maphwanya as incoming SANDF Chief". News24. Retrieved 15 April 2021.
  8. ^ a b Lillie, Ashley C. (2012). "The Origin and Development of the South African Army". Scientia Militaria: South African Journal of Military Studies. 12 (2). doi:10.5787/12-2-618. ISSN 2224-0020.
  9. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Nöthling, C.J.; Meyers, E.M. (1982). "Leiers Deur die Jare (1912-1982)". Scientia Militaria: South African Journal of Military Studies (in Afrikaans). 12 (2): 89–98. doi:10.5787/12-2-631. ISSN 2224-0020.
  10. ^ a b "SANDF support to Springbok".
  11. ^ "Yam takes over from Masondo as Army Chief". defenceweb.co.za. DefenceWeb. 19 January 2016. Retrieved 19 January 2016.
  12. ^ a b "De Goede acting Army chief until next year". Defense Web. 7 November 2019. Retrieved 13 November 2019.
  13. ^ a b c d "New chiefs of SA Army, Joint Operations, SAMHS announced". Defence Web. 11 October 2019. Retrieved 13 November 2019.
  14. ^ Siphiwe Dlamini (10 December 2019). "SANDF Media Advisory; sandf announces the untimely passing away of the Chief of the Army". Pretoria: Ministry of Defence and Military Veterans, Defence Headquarters. Archived from the original on 26 February 2022.
  15. ^ "President Ranaphosa mourns passing of Chief of the Army, Lt Gen Mokhosi". 10 December 2019.
  16. ^ Maroela-redaksie (10 April 2020). "Nuwe hoof van leër aangekondig". Maroela Media (in Afrikaans). Archived from the original on 11 April 2020. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
  17. ^ a b "Fact file: Chiefs of the SA Air Force". DefenceWeb.co.za. 21 January 2010. Retrieved 24 July 2014.
  18. ^ Guy Martin (1 October 2012). "Gagiano hands over command of SAAF". DefenceWeb.
  19. ^ a b c "Ramaphosa names new SANDF Chief and other senior posts". DefenceWeb. 15 April 2021. Retrieved 15 April 2021.
  20. ^ Helfrich, Kim (23 January 2014). "Hlongwane named new Navy Chief". Defenceweb. Retrieved 23 January 2014.
  21. ^ "SS Mendi centenary a highlight for Hlongwane as CNavy". DefenceWeb. 7 July 2022. Retrieved 10 July 2022.
  22. ^ a b "Lobese confirmed as new SA Navy Chief". DefenceWeb. 1 November 2022. Retrieved 1 November 2022.
  23. ^ Leon Engelbrecht (26 November 2008). "Fact file: Surgeons General". defenceweb.co.za.
  24. ^ "Binda had a long and distinguished military career". The Sowetan. 24 November 2006. Retrieved 6 October 2014.
  25. ^ "Head of SANDF joint operations, Duma Mdutyana dies". ENCA. 6 July 2016. Retrieved 6 July 2016.
  26. ^ "Defence Amendment Bill 2002" (PDF). Retrieved 24 November 2014.
  27. ^ a b c "New Chief of Corporate Staff Services for SANDF". defenceweb.co.za. DefenceWeb. 22 March 2013. Retrieved 23 December 2014.