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List of South African military chiefs

Summary

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
 
Brink, AndriesMajor General
Andries Brink CBE, DTD, DSO
(1877–1947)		1 October 19221 May 193310 years, 212 days  South African Army—
2
 
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
 
Beyers, LeonardLieutenant General
Leonard Beyers
(1894–1959)		2 May 194915 March 1950317 days  South African Army—
4
 
Toit, ChristiaanLieutenant General
Christiaan du Toit DSO
(1901–1982)		16 March 195022 September 19566 years, 190 days  South African Army—
5
 
Klopper, HendrikGeneral
Hendrik Klopper DSO
(1903–1977)		23 September 195624 September 19582 years, 1 day  South African Army—
6
 
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
 
Melville, StephenGeneral
Stephen Melville SSA, OBE
(1904–1977)		1 November 195831 December 19602 years, 60 days  South African Air Force—
2
 
Grobbelaar, PieterGeneral
Pieter Grobbelaar SSA, DSO
(1908–1988)		1 January 196131 December 19654 years, 364 days  South African Army—
3
 
Hiemstra, RudolphGeneral
Rudolph Hiemstra SSA, SM
(1912–2007)		1 January 196631 March 19726 years, 90 days  South African Air Force—
4
 
Biermann, HugoAdmiral
Hugo Biermann SSA, SD, OBE, GCIH
(1916–2012)		1 April 197231 August 19764 years, 152 days  South African Navy—
5
 
Malan, MagnusGeneral
Magnus Malan SSA, OMSG, SD, SM
(1930–2011)		1 September 19766 October 19804 years, 35 days  South African Army—
6
 
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
 
Geldenhuys, JohannesGeneral
Johannes Geldenhuys SSAS, SD, SOE, SM, GCIH, ORB
(1935–2018)		1 November 198531 October 19904 years, 364 days  South African Army—
8
 
Liebenberg, AndreasGeneral
Andreas Liebenberg SSAS, SD, SOE, SM, MMM
(1938–1998)		1 November 199031 October 19932 years, 364 days  South African Army—
9
 
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
 
Meiring, GeorgGeneral
Georg Meiring SSAS, SD, SM, MMM, ORB
(born 1939)		27 April 199431 May 19984 years, 34 days  South African Army—
2
 
Nyanda, SiphiweGeneral
Siphiwe Nyanda SSA, SBS, CLS, DMG, MMS, MMM
(born 1950)		1 June 199831 May 20056 years, 364 days  South African Army—
3
 
Ngwenya, GodfreyGeneral
Godfrey Ngwenya SBG, DMG, MMS, LOM (USA)
(born 1950)		1 June 20051 May 20115 years, 334 days  South African Army—
4
 
Shoke, SollyGeneral
Solly Shoke OMBG, SBS, MMS, OMS
(born 1956)		2 May 201130 May 202110 years, 28 days  South African Army[6]
5
 
Maphwanya, RudzaniGeneral
Rudzani Maphwanya SM, MMM
(born 1960)		1 June 2021Incumbent2 years, 325 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
 
du Toit, ChristianBrigadier
Christiaan du Toit DSO
(1901–1982)		10 November 194815 March 19501 year, 125 days[9]: 92 [8]
2
 
Klopper, HendrikBrigadier
Hendrik Klopper DSO
(1903–1977)		16 March 195030 April 19533 years, 45 days[9]: 94 
3
 
Grobbelaar, PieterMajor General
Pieter Grobbelaar SSA, DSO
(1908–1988)		1 May 195324 September 19585 years, 146 days[9]: 93 
4
 
Bierman, NickMajor General
Nick Bierman SSA, SM, CBE
(1910–1977)		25 September 195831 October 19591 year, 36 days[9]: 89 
5
 
Engelbrecht, SybrandMajor General
Sybrand Engelbrecht SM
(1913–1994)		1 November 19593 March 19633 years, 122 days[9]: 92 
6
 
Jacobs, PetrusMajor General
Petrus Jacobs SSA, SM
(1910–1967)		4 March 196331 December 19652 years, 302 days[9]: 93 
7
 
Fraser, CharlesLieutenant General
Charles 'Pop' Fraser SSA, SM
(1915–1994)		1 January 196630 November 19671 year, 333 days[9]: 92 
8
 
Louw, WillemLieutenant General
Willem Louw SSA, SM
(1920–1980)		1 December 196730 June 19735 years, 211 days[9]: 94 
9
 
Malan, MagnusLieutenant General
Magnus Malan SSA, OMSG, SD, SM
(1930–2011)		1 July 197331 August 19763 years, 61 days[9]: 95 
10
 
Viljoen, ConstandLieutenant General
Constand Viljoen SSA, SD, SOE, SM, MMM, ORB
(1933–2020)		1 September 19766 October 19804 years, 30 days—
11
 
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
 
Liebenberg, AndreasLieutenant General
Andreas Liebenberg SSAS, SD, SOE, SM, MMM
(1938–1998)		1 November 198528 February 19904 years, 119 days—
13
 
Meiring, GeorgLieutenant General
Georg Meiring SSA, SD, SM, MMM, ORB
(born 1939)		1 March 199031 October 19933 years, 244 days—
14
 
Pretorius, HattinghLieutenant General
Hattingh Pretorius SD, SM, MMM
(1942–2008)		1 November 199331 December 19941 year, 60 days—
15
 
Otto, ReginaldLieutenant General
Reginald Otto SD & Bar, SM, MMM
(1943–2022)		1 January 199530 June 19983 years, 180 days—
16
 
Ramano, GilbertLieutenant General
Gilbert Ramano SSAS, SD, MMS, MMM, MMB
(born 1939)		1 July 199831 May 20045 years, 335 days—
17
 
Shoke, SollyLieutenant General
Solly Shoke OMBG, SBS, MMS, OMS
(born 1956)		1 June 20041 May 20116 years, 334 days—
18
 
Masondo, VusumuziLieutenant General
Vusumuzi Masondo MMM
(born 1957)		1 October 201131 January 20164 years, 122 days[10]
19
 
Yam, LindileLieutenant General
Lindile Yam
(born 1960)		1 February 201631 October 20193 years, 272 days[11]
20
 
Mokhose, ThabisoLieutenant General
Thabiso Mokhosi
(c. 1968–2019)		1 November 201910 December 2019 †39 days[12][13][14][non-primary source needed][15]
21
 
Mbatha, LawrenceLieutenant General
Lawrence Mbatha
(born 1968)		9 April 2020Incumbent4 years, 12 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
 
van Ryneveld, PierreColonel
Sir Pierre van Ryneveld KBE, CB, DSO, MC
(1891–1972)		1 February 192030 September 193717 years, 241 days[17]
2
 
Hoare, FrancisColonel
Francis Hoare CB, CBE
(1879–1959)		1 October 193731 October 193730 days—
3
 
Daniel, HectorLieutenant Colonel
Hector Daniel CBE, MC, AFC
(1898–1953)		1 November 193712 September 19392 years, 41 days—
4
 
Holthouse, JohnColonel
John Holthouse OBE
(1891–1964)		13 September 193930 September 19401 year, 17 days—
5
 
Venter, ChristoffelMajor General
Christoffel Venter CB, DFC & bar
(1892–1977)		1 October 194016 October 19455 years, 15 days—
6
 
Willmott, HaroldBrigadier
Harold Willmott CBE
(1899–1993)		17 October 194510 September 1946328 days—
7
 
Durrant, JimmyBrigadier
James 'Jimmy' Durrant CB, DFC
(1913–1990)		1 October 194630 June 19514 years, 272 days—
(6)
 
Willmott, HaroldBrigadier
Harold Willmott CBE
(1899–1993)		1 July 195124 August 19543 years, 54 days—
8
 
Melville, StephenBrigadier
Stephen Melville SSA, OBE
(1904–1977)		25 August 195422 September 19562 years, 28 days—
9
 
Viljoen, BarendMajor General
Barend Viljoen SSA, OBE
(1908–1995)		23 September 195630 April 19658 years, 219 days—
10
 
Martin, KalfieLieutenant General
Henry 'Kalfie' Martin SM, CBE, DFC
(1910–2000)		1 May 196530 November 19672 years, 213 days—
11
 
Verster, JacobusLieutenant General
Jacobus Verster SSA, SM
(1919–1981)		1 December 196728 February 19757 years, 89 days—
12
 
Rogers, BobLieutenant General
Robert 'Bob' Rogers SSA, SM, MMM, DSO, DFC & bar
(1921–2000)		1 March 197530 November 19794 years, 274 days—
13
 
Muller, MichalLieutenant General
Michal Muller SSAS, SD
(born 1930)		1 December 197929 February 19844 years, 90 days—
14
 
Earp, DenisLieutenant General
Denis Earp SSA, SD, SM, SOE
(1930–2019)		1 March 198430 June 19884 years, 121 days—
15
 
van Loggerenberg, JanLieutenant General
Jan van Loggerenberg SSAS, SD, SOE, SM, MMM, ORB
(born 1935)		1 July 198831 October 19913 years, 122 days—
16
 
Kriel, JamesLieutenant General
James Kriel SSAS, SD, SM, MMM
(1942–2016)		1 November 199130 April 19964 years, 181 days—
17
 
Hechter, WillemLieutenant General
Willem Hechter SSA, SD, SM, MMM
(born 1942)		1 May 199629 February 20003 years, 304 days[17]
18
 
Beukes, RoelfLieutenant General
Roelf Beukes SD, SM, MMM		1 March 200028 February 20054 years, 364 days—
19
 
Gagiano, CarloLieutenant General
Carlo Gagiano SM, MMM
(born 1951)		1 March 200530 September 20127 years, 213 days—
20
 
Msimang, FabianLieutenant General
Fabian Msimang SM, MMM
(born 1960)		1 October 201230 September 20207 years, 365 days[18]
–
 
Buthelezi, MzayifaniLieutenant General
Mzayifani Buthelezi
(born 1965)
Acting		30 September 20201 June 2021244 days[19]
21
 
Mbambo, WisemanLieutenant General
Wiseman Mbambo
(born 1966)		1 June 2021Incumbent2 years, 325 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
 
Rankin, NormanCommander
Norman Rankin		1 April 19223 June 19286 years, 63 days—
2
 
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
 
Hallifax, GuyRear Admiral
Guy Hallifax CMG
(1884–1941)		16 September 193928 March 1941 †1 year, 193 days—
4
 
Dalgleish, JamesCommodore
James Dalgleish CBE
(1891–1964)		28 March 194130 November 19465 years, 247 days—
5
 
Dean, FrederickCommodore
Frederick Dean OBE
(1900–1983)		1 December 194630 June 19514 years, 211 days—
6
 
de Waal, PieterBrigadier
Pieter de Waal CB, CBE
(1899–1977)		1 July 195130 November 19521 year, 152 days—
7
 
Biermann, HugoVice Admiral
Hugo Biermann SSA, SD, OBE, GCIH
(1916–2012)		1 December 195231 March 197219 years, 121 days—
8
 
Johnson, JamesVice Admiral
James 'Flam' Johnson SSA, SM, DSC
(1918–1990)		1 April 197230 September 19775 years, 182 days—
9
 
Walters, Johan CharlVice Admiral
Johan Charl Walters SD, SM, MMM
(1919–1993)		1 October 197730 January 19802 years, 121 days—
10
 
Edwards, Ronald A.Vice Admiral
Ronald A. Edwards SSAS, SM, MMM
(1923–2014)		1 February 198030 September 19822 years, 241 days—
11
 
Putter, AndriesVice Admiral
Andries P 'Dries' Putter SSAS, SD, MMM
(1935–2014)		1 October 198230 June 19852 years, 272 days—
12
 
Syndercombe, GlenVice Admiral
Glen Syndercombe SSA, SD, SOE, SM, MMM
(1931–2005)		1 July 198531 March 19893 years, 273 days—
(11)
 
Putter, AndriesVice Admiral
Andries P 'Dries' Putter SSAS, SD, MMM
(1935–2014)		1 April 198930 June 19901 year, 90 days—
13
 
Woodburne, LambertVice Admiral
Lambert J 'Woody' Woodburne DVR, SD, SM
(1939–2013)		1 July 199031 August 19922 years, 61 days—
14
 
Simpson-Anderson, RobertVice Admiral
Robert Simpson-Anderson SSAS, SD, SM, MMM
(born 1942)		1 September 199231 October 20008 years, 60 days—
15
 
Retief, JohanVice Admiral
Johan Retief SD & Bar, PG, SM, MMM
(born 1946)		1 November 200028 February 20054 years, 119 days—
16
 
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
 
Hlongwane, SamuelVice Admiral
Samuel Hlongwane MMS, MMB
(born 1962)		1 April 201430 June 20228 years, 90 days[21]
18
 
Lobese, MondeVice Admiral
Monde Lobese MMS, MMB		1 November 2022Incumbent1 year, 172 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
 
Raymond, EugeneMajor General
Eugene Raymond SSA, SM
(born 1923)		1 February 196031 March 19699 years, 58 days—
2
 
Cockcroft, ColinLieutenant General
Colin Cockcroft SSA, SM, SSA, SD, SM, MMM
(1917–1987)		1 April 196931 October 19778 years, 213 days—
3
 
Nieuwoudt, NicolaasLieutenant General
Nicolaas Nieuwoudt SSA, SD, SM
(1929–1989)		1 November 197729 February 198810 years, 120 days—
4
 
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
 
Knobel, DanielLieutenant General
Daniel Knobel SD, SOE, SM, MMM, KStJ, MBC, HB, PHD
(1936–2021)		27 April 199430 November 19973 years, 217 days—
2
 
Masuku, DavidsonLieutenant General
Davidson Masuku SSAS, MMM, KStJ
(1940–2000)		1 December 199730 September 20002 years, 334 days[23]
3
 
Rensburg, Jurinus JanseLieutenant General
Jurinus Janse van Rensburg SD, SM, MMM, KStJ
(born 1952)		1 October 200031 July 20054 years, 303 days—
4
 
Ramlakan, VejaynandLieutenant General
Vejaynand Ramlakan DMG, MMS, MMB, KStJ
(1957–2020)		1 August 200531 March 20137 years, 242 days—
5
 
Sedibe, AubreyLieutenant General
Aubrey Sedibe DMG, MMS, MMB, OStJ, MBC, HB, PHD
(born 1957)		1 April 201331 October 20196 years, 213 days—
6
 
Dabula, ZolaLieutenant General
Zola Dabula
(born 1956)		1 November 201931 October 20211 year, 364 days[13]
7
 
Maphaha, NtshavheniLieutenant General
Ntshavheni Maphaha
(born 1966)		1 November 2021Incumbent2 years, 172 days[19]

Chief of Joint Operations edit

No. Portrait Chief of Joint Operations Took office Left office Time in office Defence branch Ref.
1
 
Ferreira, DeonLieutenant General
Deon Ferreira PVD, SD, SM, MMM
(1946–2002)		1 August 199731 December 20003 years, 152 days  South African Army—
2
 
Ngwenya, GodfreyLieutenant General
Godfrey Ngwenya SBG, DMG, MMS, LOM (USA)
(born 1950)		1 January 200131 May 20054 years, 150 days  South African Army—
3
 
Binda, SiphoLieutenant General
Sipho Binda MMS
(1952–2006)		1 June 200510 November 2006 †1 year, 162 days  South African Army[24]
4
 
Matanzima, ThembaLieutenant General
Themba Matanzima CCM, SM, MMM
(born 1953)		1 September 200730 September 20114 years, 29 days  South African Army—
5
 
Mgwebi, DerrickLieutenant General
Derrick Mgwebi
(born 1956)		1 October 201131 January 20164 years, 122 days  South African Army[10]
6
 
Mdutyana, DumaLieutenant General
Duma Mdutyana MMB
(1960–2016)		1 February 20166 July 2016 †156 days  South African Army[25]
7
 
Hlatswayo, BarneyLieutenant General
Barney Hlatswayo
(born 1958)		1 January 201731 October 20192 years, 303 days  South African Army—
8
 
Maphwanya, RudzaniLieutenant General
Rudzani Maphwanya
(born 1960)		1 November 201930 May 20211 year, 210 days  South African Army[13]
9
 
Sangweni, SiphiweLieutenant General
Siphiwe Sangweni		1 June 2021Incumbent2 years, 325 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
 
Trainor, MartynVice Admiral
Martyn Trainor SD, SM, MMM
(born 1944)		1 October 200031 January 20043 years, 122 days  South African Navy—
2
 
Matanzima, ThembaLieutenant General
Themba Matanzima CCM, SM, MMM
(born 1953)		1 February 200431 July 20051 year, 180 days  South African Army—
3
 
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—
—
 
Dlulane, LouisMajor General
Louis Dlulane
(born 1952)
Acting		1 May 201030 March 20132 years, 333 days  South African Army[27]
4
 
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
 
Masondo, VusumuziLieutenant General
Vusumuzi Masondo MMM
(born 1957)		1 February 201631 October 20193 years, 272 days  South African Army[27]
6
 
Yam, LindiweLieutenant General
Lindile Yam
(born 1960)		1 November 201931 October 20222 years, 364 days  South African Army[13]
7
 
Ramantswana, MichaelLieutenant General
Michael Ramantswana		1 November 2022Incumbent1 year, 172 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 21 April 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

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