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Suid Afrikaanse Weermag - South African Defence Force
Hoof Bevel Strukteer - Chief Command Structure
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Chief of the SADF |
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Chief of the Defence Force Staff |
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Chief of Staff Personnel |
Chief of Staff Intelligence |
Chief of Staff Operations |
Chief of Staff Logistics |
Chief of Staff Finance |
Chief of Staff Planning |
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Joint Chiefs
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Director General Personnel
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Defence HQ
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Defence HQ
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HQ 1 SA Corps
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Chiefs of the South African Defence Force
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Operation Savannah (1975) |
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SUID-AFRIKAANSE WEERMAG Inleiding Die Suid-Afrikaanse Weermag (SAW), wat allerwee as die mees gedugte krygsmag op die vasteland van Afrika beskou word, bestaan uit vier vertakkinge. Dit behels die Leer, Lugmag, Vloot en Suid-Afrikaanse Geneeskundige Diens (SAGD).Die Weermagsdele se hoofkwartiere is in die Pretoria gebied gelee. Hulle word aangevul deur een ondersteuningsdiens, die afdeling van die Kapelaan generaal. Die SAW is monolities en geintegreerd saamgestel. Die oorhoofse bevel is gesetel in 'n offisier met die posbenaming Hoof van die Suid-Afrikaanse Weermag. Hy word uit een van die vier Weermagsdele aangestel en is aan die Minister van Verdediging verantwoordelik vir die implementering van die SAW se verdedigingsbeleid. Hike Weermagsdeelhoof voer bevel oor sy eie weermagsdeel en beplan en tree operasioneel op binne die perke van die nasionale verdedigingstrategie soos deur die Staatspresident op aanbeveling van die Staatsveiligheidsraad neerge is. By die neem van besluite word die Hoof van die SAW deur verskeie rade en komitees bygestaan waarvan die Verdedigingsbevelsraad, Verdedigingsbeplanningskomitee en Finansiele Komitee die belangrikste is. Gesamentlik bepaal hulle algemene strategic, le bestuursbeleid neer en onderneem finansiele beplanning. Funksies Kragtens die Verdedigingswet van 1957, soos gewysig, is die SAW se hooffunksie om die land teen enige eksterne bedreiging te beskerm. Dit is ook belas met die voorkoming en onderdrukking van terrorisme en binnelandse onluste, die beskerming en bewaring van lewens, gesondheid en eiendom, en die instandhouding van noodsaaklike dienste. |
SOUTH AFRICAN DEFENCE FORCE Introduction The SADF, generally considered to be the continent's most formidable military force, consists of four arms. These are the Army, Air Force, Navy and the SA Medical Service (SAMS). All are headquartered in the Pretoria area. The four arms are supplemented by one supporting service, the Chaplain General. The SADF's structure is monolithic and integrated. Overall command is vested in an officer designated Chief of the South African Defence Force. Appointed from one of the four arms, he is accountable to the Minister of Defence for implementing the South African government"s defence policy. The chief of each of the four arms commands his own service arm and plans and conducts single-service operations, but always within the parameters of the national defence strategy as laid down by the State President on the advice of the State Security Council. In decision making, the Chief of the SADF is assisted by several councils and committees, the most important being the Defence Command Council, the Defence Planning Committee and the Financial Committee. Combined they determine general strategy, lay down management policies and undertake financial planning. Functions In terms of the Defence Act of 1957, as amended, the SADF's major function is to defend the country against external threats. It is also charged with preventing and suppressing terrorism and internal disorder, preserving life, health and property, and maintaining essential services. |
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Ry Veilig Teken - Ride Safe Sign... |
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Personeel Die SAW bestaan grotendeels uit 'n Burgermag en Kommandomag terwyl Staandemaglede maar 'n klein persentasie van die totale personeelsterkte uitmaak. Dienspligtiges vorm die grootste deel van die Voltydse Mag. Hulle aanvanklike diensplig strek oor twee jaar, gevolg deur onderskeidelik 12 en 20 jaar deeltydse diens by Burgermag of Kommando eenhede wat dwarsoor die land by strategiese punte gelee is. Blanke manlike burgers tussen die ouderdomme van 17 en 55 jaar is aan militere diensplig onderhewig. Daar is twee innames per jaar, in Februarie en Augustus. Dienspligtiges word aan verskeie basisse en installasies toegewys en die eerste tien tot twaalf weke word aan basiese opleiding gewy. Dit word verder opgevolg deur spesialis-opleiding wat met die dienspligtige se spesifieke korps of eenheid verband hou. Na 'n opleidingstydperk van ses tot elf maande, word dienspligtiges vir die oorblywende gedeelte van hul aanvanklike diensplig na operasionele en ander eenhede of hoofkwartiere uitgeplaas. Die aanvanklike dienspligtydperk word verder opgevolg deur 'n diensverpligting van 720 dae oor 12 jaar in 'n Burgermag of Kommandoeenheid. Die bykomende diensverpligting van 720 dae word verdeel in ses siklusse van twee jaar elk waartydens die lid gewoonlik twee dienstermyne van 90 en 30 dae (of 60 en 60 dae) opeenvolgend voltooi. Hierna word lede vir vyf jaar na die Aktiewe Burgermagreserwe oorgeplaas. Gedurende hierdie tydperk kan hulle net vir diens opgeroep word indien omstandighede dit vereis en die Minister van Verdediging dit goedgekeur net. Hierna kan lede tot hul 55ste lewensjaar vir militere diens in die Kommandomag opgeroep word vir 'n jaarlikse diensverpligting van 12 dae. Die Burgermag voorsien ongeveer 47 persent van die SAW se huidige personeelsterkte. Sommige eenhede is reeds ouer as 100 jaar en het ontstaan toe die Britse tradisie van vrywilligerregimente in Natal en die Kaapkolonie opsgevat het. Onder die oudstes is die Kaapse Veld artillerie (gestig 1857), die 1 Natal Mounted Rifles (1854) en Natal Carbineers (1855). Die kommando's het insgelyks 'n lang tradisie en het hul oorsprong gehad in 'n tyd toe elke verafgelee gemeenskap vir sy eie verdediging verantwoordelik was. Hierdie eenhede is dwarsoor die land versprei. Hoewel slegs manlike Blankes diensplig moet verrig, is daar duisende Kleurling, Indier, en swart vrywilligers in die SAW. Innames van hierdie vrywilligers vind jaarliks by spesiale eenhede en opleidingsinstansies plaas. Hulle ontvang dieselfde opleiding en het dieselfde voorregte as hul blanke ewekniee. Die SAW is nie 'n organisasie wat net vir die man toeganklik is nie. Vroue word reeds sedert 1970 in 65 berpepsindelings in 'n ondersteunende rol in die onderskeie Weermagsdele aangewend. Hulle dien in die Staande Mag, die Burgermag en die Kommandomag. Ook hier word geen onderskeid getref ten opsigte van diens voorwaardes en bevorderingsvooruitsigte nie. |
Personnel The SADF is essentially a Citizen and Commando Force and career soldiers of the Permanent Force account for a very small percentage of the total complement. National servicemen make up the majority of the Full-time Force. They do two years compulsory military training followed by part-time service for a further 12 years and 20 years respectively with Citizen Force and Commando Force units, and are headquartered at strategic points countrywide. White male citizens are liable for military service at the age of 17 and remain liable until 55. There are two intakes annually in February and August. These young men are allocated to various bases and installations with their first ten to twelve weeks being devoted to basic training. This is followed by specialist instruction appropriate to the trainee's particular corps or unit. After six to eleven months training, national servicemen are posted to operational and other units for the rest of their initial service. The subsequent service commitment in a Citizen Force or Commando Force unit is a maximum of 720 days over a period of 12 years. The subsequent service commitment of 720 days is divided into six cycles of two years, in which the members usually do two tours of duty of 90 and 30 days (or 60 and 60 days) respectively. After this they are placed on the Active Citizen Force Reserve for five years. During this period they may be called up only in emergencies and with the approval of the Minister of Defence. Further service in the Commando Force, up to 12 days annually until the age of 55, may be required. The Citizen Force provides approximately 47 per cent of the S ADF's current strength. Some of the units date back well over 100 years, when the British tradition of volunteer regiments took root in Natal and the Cape. Among the oldest are the Cape Field Artillery, established in 1857, and the 1 Natal Mounted Rifles (1854), and Natal Carbineers (1855). The Commando Force units similarly have a long tradition and trace their origins back to the times when each frontier community was responsible for its own defence. These units are spread throughout the country. Although only White males are liable for compulsory service, there are thousands of Coloured, Indian and Black volunteers. These volunteers are accepted annually at special units and training establishments. They receive the same training and enjoy the same privileges as their White counterparts. The SADF is not a preserve of the male. Since 1970, women have been appointed in 65 musterings in supporting services in all four arms. They serve in the Permanent Force, the Citizen Force and in the Commando Force. Again, there is no discrimination in respect of conditions of service or promotion. |
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Opleiding Elke Weermagsdeel beskik oor sy eie opleidingskole vir spesialisopleiding en 'n kollege. Hier word lede opgelei in die teorie en praktyk van moderne oorlogyoering. Die SAW het ook drie sentrale opleidingsinrigtings vir lede van al die onderskeie Weermagsdele. Eerstens kan die Kollege vir Opvoedkundige Tegnologie genoem word. By hierdie kollege, wat oor die mees moderne opvoedkundige hulpmiddele beskik, word instrukteurs, mediasentrum-koordineerders, opleidingsbestuurders en instruksionele ontwerpers opgelei. 'n Groot verskeidenheid onderrighulpmiddels (soos bv transparante, skyfievertonings en televisieprogramme) word ook by die kollege vervaardig. By die SA Verdedigingskollege (Pretoria) bestudeer senior offisiere strategic en die bedryf van gesamentlike operasies. By die SA Militere Akademie te Saldanha word akademiese opleiding aan gekeurde Staandemagoffisiere aangebied wat goed met die beste ter wereld vergelyk. Die Akademie is die Universiteit van Stellenbosch se Fakulteit Krygskunde en verskaf opleiding in drie hoofstudierigtings vir die B.Milgraad, nl: natuurwetenskappe, geesteswetenskappe en ekonomie en handel. |
Training Each Arm of the Service has its own specialist training schools as well as a college. Here members are instructed in the theory and practice of modern warfare. The SADF also runs three common training institutions for all members. The first is the College for Educational Technology which, with the most modern teaching aids, is used to train instructors, media centre co-ordinators, training managers and instructional designers. A wide variety of teaching aids (such as transparencies, slide tape presentations and television programmes) are also produced by the college. At the SA Defence College, Pretoria, senior officers study strategies and procedures of joint operations.The S A Military Academy at Saldanha provides selected Permanent Force officers with academic training comparable to anything similar in the world. The Academy is the Faculty of Military Science of the University of Stellenbosch and offers three main fields of study for the B.Mil. degree: physical science, human sciences, and economics and commerce. |
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Geskiedenis Ontdekkingsreisigers en handelsvaarders het reeds sedert die laat vyftiende eeu om die Kaap die Goeie Hoop gevaar, maar niemand het dit belangrik genoeg geag om 'n permanente teenwoordigheid aan die suidpunt van Afrika tevestig nie. Die eerste permanente nedersetting het in 1652 tot stand gekom nadat toenemende handelsverkeer om die Kaap die Hollands-Oos Indiese Kompanjie laat besluit het om 'n verversingspos hier te stig. 'n Klein garnisoen - wat in sterkte tussen 70 en 170 man gewissel het, is vir plaaslike beskerming daargestel. Hierdie mag was nie sterk genoeg nie en is in 1658 deur 'n Burgerwag aangevul. Die Burgerwag het algaande in 'n kommandostelsel ontwikkel wat bestaan het uit sowel burgers as beroepsoldate wat teen 1670 ter verdediging van die Kaapse Nedersetting opgetree het. Die eerste werklik burgerkommando onder aanvoering van burgeroffisiere is in 1715 goedgekeur en hierdie stelsel het in swang gebly totdat Brittanje die Kaap permanent beset het. Brittanje het die Kaap in 1795 die eerste keer beset ten einde 'n soortgelyke maneuver deur Frankryk te voorkom. Nie alleen moes die Britte teen die Franse waak nie, maar hul het dit gerade geag om 'n berede mag te ontplooi wat die setlaars in loom moes hou. In 1796 is hierdie mag verder versterk deur 'n Korps van Hottentotte wie se primere taak dit was om die setlaars te laat afsien van enige voornemens om in opstand te kom. Nadat die Britte aan die Kaap onttrek het is die kommandostelsel gou weer in ere herstel - al was dit bloot omdat Nederland nie genoeg huursoldate kon bekostig nie. Toe Brittanje die Kaap weer eens in 1806 beset het, is die kommandostelsel 'n ruk lank behou. Teen hierdie tyd het die uitputtende grensoorloe hul tol begin eis en sommige kommandolede het twee uit elke ses maande aktief gedien. Dit het die ekonomie geknou en teen 1812 is reeds stappe gedoen om vaste regimente van Hottentotte op die been te bring wat die druk op die burgers sou verlig. Die burgerkommando's is in 1834 ontbind wat die verdediging van die Kaap grootliks oorgelaat het aan die Britse huurtroepe wat versterk is deur plaaslike vrywiligers en die Hottentotsoldate. Hierdie verdedigingstelsel is teen 1880 aangevul deur vrywilligereenhede wat mettertyd die Bur-germagkomponent van die Leer geword het. |
History Explorers and traders had been rounding the Cape of Good Hope since the late 1400s but saw no need for a permanent presence at the foot of Africa. The first permanent settlement came in April 1652 Increasing trade on this route, the Dutch East India Company decided to establish a refreshment station at the Cape. A small garrison - varying in strength between 70 and 170 - was provided for local security. This force proved too weak and in 1658 it was supplemented by a burgher militia. The militia gradually grew into a commando system, with mixed forces of burghers and regular soldiers operating in defence of the Cape settlement by the 1670s. This first true burgher commando led by burgher officers was authorised in 1715, and this system remained in force until Britain took permanent control of the Cape. Britain first occupied the Cape in 1795 to forestall possible French attempts in this direction. Apart from having to guard against the French, the British also soon found it necessary to deploy a regular force of mounted troops to keep the settlers in line. In 1796 this force was supplemented by a Hottentot Corps with the primary task of deterring any possible thought of revolt on the part of the settlers. After the British withdrew from the Cape, the commando system soon re-established itself - if only because Holland could not afford sufficient regular troops. When the British again occupied the Cape in 1806, they kept up the commando system for a time. By this time, however, the strain of frontier wars was beginning to tell, and some members of the commandos were serving two months in six. This hurt the economy and by 1812 steps were on hand to raise regular regiments of Hottentots to relieve the strain of the burghers. The burgher commandos were then abolished in 1834. The defence of the Cape now lay largely with British regular troops reinforced with local volunteers and the Hottentot troops. By the 1880s this structure was being supplemented with volunteer units which have since become the Citizen Force element of the Army. |
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Toe die kommandostelsel aan die Kaap afgeskaf is, het dit egter nie ten gronde gegaan nie. Talle setlaars wat ontevrede met die Britse bewind was, het vanaf 1836 hul skrede na die binneland gewend. Hulle het die kommandostelsel saam met hulle geneem en dit is met welslae beproef in gevegte met vyandiggesinde stamme en later die Britse magte gedurende die Eerste Vryheidsoorlog. Gedurende die Tweede Vryheidsoorlog (1899-1902) het die kommando's beskik oor ondersteunende artillerie-eenhede en in die geval van die ZAR in Transvaal ook oor 'n polisiemag. In hierdie oorlog het die militere magte van die Boererepublieke en die voltydse Britse magte regstreeks met mekaar in konflik gekom. Ofskoon die Republikeinse magte aanvanklik goed rekenskap van hulself gegee het, was die uitslag van die oorlog 'n uitgemaakte saak nadat Brittanje daarin geslaag het om sy volle mag te laat geld. Die Boeremagte se vindingryke benadering tot mobiele operasies en die gebruik van goed gekamoefleerde, ingegrawe verdedigingstellings sou nietemin 'n groot uitwerking op talle weermagte he. Selfs nadat die kommando's as leers verslaan is, was die kommandostelsel van so aard dat die Republikeinse magte in staat was om twee jaar lank met guerrillaoorlogvoering effektief teen die Britse magte te opereer. Hiervan getuig die feit dat sowat 20 000 berede skutters met weinig formele opleiding 250 000 Britse soldate vir bykans drie jaar besig kon hou. Met die vestiging van die Britse bewind in die voormalige Boererepublieke, het die kommandostelsel in die gebiede ook tot niet gegaan. In die plek daarvan is vrywilligereenhede in Transvaal geskep wat op die Britse stelsel gebaseer was. Hierdie vrywilligereenhede is saamgestel uit die sogenaamde "Uitlandereenhede" wat na 1900 saam met die Britse magte gedien het. Met die vier gebiede onder Britse gesag, is spoedig oorweging geskenk aan hul unifikasie as een selfregerende gebied. Dit het uiteindelik in 1910 geskied met die totstandkoming van die Unie van Suid-Afrika. Die kwessie van 'n sentrale weermag het reeds in 1906 ter sprake gekom nadat die Zoeloeopstand duidelik getoon het dat interkoloniale samewerking in verdedigingsaangeleenthede noodsaaklik was. Die aangeleentheid is in 1907 gedurende verskeie konferensies in Johannesburg en Durban verder gevoer. Onder meer het Lord Methuen daarop gewys dat omstandighede daartoe kon lei dat Brittanje sy troepe aan Suid-Afrika moes onttrek en dat slegs die Kaapse Skiereiland deur 'n staande garrisoen van Imperiale troepe verdedig sou kon word. Hierdie saak het na Uniewording hoe prioriteit geniet. Na Uniewording was die daarstelling van 'n eenvormige verdedigingsorganisasie een van die belangrikste sake waaraan die Suid-Afrikaanse regering aandag moes skenk. Genl J.C. Smuts, wat die portefeulje van Verdediging behartig het, sou in hierdie opsig 'n leidende rol speel. |
The commando system did not, in the event, die with its abolition at the Cape. Dissatisfied with the British rule, many of the settlers moved into the interior from around 1836 onwards. They took with them the commando system, and proved its worth in clashes with hostile tribes and also in action against the British forces during the First Anglo-Boer War. By the time of the Second Anglo-Boer War of 1899-1902, the commandos had been complemented with regular artillery units and, in the Transvaal, the police. This war brought the militia armies of the Boer republics into direct conflict with regular British forces. While they acquitted themselves very well in the opening stages of the war, its outcome was a foregone conclusion once Britain was able to bring the might of her empire to bear. Nevertheless, the Boers' innovative approach to mobile operations and the use of well-camouflaged and dug-in defensive positions had a considerable impact on many armies. Even after they had been defeated as armies, the commando system was such that the Boer forces were able to conduct effective guerrilla warfare for another two years. The best evidence of their ability lies in the fact that some 20 000 mounted riflemen with minimal formal training and less support, were able to keep 250 000 British troops fully occupied for three years. With British rule established in the former Boer republics, the commando system was abolished there too. In its stead, volunteer units along British lines were established in the Transvaal from the "Uitlander" units which had served with the British forces after 1900. In Natal, the volunteer units were converted into a militia backed up by a reserve from which reinforcements would be selected by ballot when needed. The Cape Colony reverted to a purely regular force of mounted riflemen. With all four territories under British control, thought soon turned to uniting them into one self-governing entity. This finally came about in 1910 with the formation of the Union of South Africa. The question of a united defence force was discussed as early as 1906, after the Zulu Rebellion had clearly illustrated the need for inter-colonial co-operation in defence matters. Several conferences in 1907 in Johannesburg and Durban discussed the matter further, Lord Methuen pointing out that a situation could arise requiring the withdrawal of Imperial troops from the region, leaving only the Cape Peninsula with a regular garrison. This question received high priority once unification had come about. After South Africa's unification in 1910 the formation of a unitary defence organisation became one of the priorities of the South African Government. In this respect General J.C. Smuts, who managed the portfolio of defence, was to play a leading role. |
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Die eerste belangrike stap was die aanvaarding van die Verdedigingswet (Wet No 13 van 1912) op 14 Junie 1912 ingevolge waarvan die Unieverdedigingsmag op 1 Julie 1912 tot stand sou kom. Dit net voorsiening gemaak vir 'n Staande Mag (gestig op 1 April 1913), 'n Aktiewe Burgermag en 'n Kadetorganisasie waarvan laasgenoemde twee op 1 Julie 1913 ingestel is. Die mynstakings aan die Witwatersrand in 1913 en 1914 het die nuutgestigte Unieverdedigingsmag vir die eerste maal beproef. Tydens die nywerheidsonrus van 1914 het die owerheid eenhede van die Aktiewe Burgermag gemobiliseer wat saam met die Staande Mag wet en orde moes handhaaf. In 1914 het die Unie se toetrede tot die Eerste Wereldoorlog aanleiding gegee tot 'n gewapende protes wat na vier maande deur eenhede van die Unieverdedigingsmag onderdruk is. In 'n knap veldtog en met geringe verliese, het 'n Suid-Afrikaanse invalsmag onder generaal Louis Botha hierna in 1915 namens Brittanje Duits-Suidwes-Afrika van die Duitse bewind gebuit. Die Suid-Afrikaanse troepe het met onderskeiding gedien in Oos- en Noord-Afrika, Palestine en Frankryk. Gedurende die Britse someroffensief in Frankryk en Vlaandere het 1 S A Infanteriebrigade aan verskeie veldslae deelgeneem, onder andere by Longueval en Delville-bos waar dit in Julie 1916 swaar verliese gely het, maar desondanks verseg het om voor die vyand terug te val. In die tydperk tussen die twee wereldoorloe is die Unieverdedigingsmag uitgebou deur die totstandkoming van die Lugdiens op 1 Februarie 1920 (later die SA Lugmag) en die SA Vlootdiens op 1 April 1922. In 1922 is eenhede van die Aktiewe Burgermag weer eens opgeroep om 'n mynstaking aan die Witwatersrand te onderdruk. Die nuutgestigte Lugmag het aan die krygsverrigtinge deelgeneem en onder meer die stakers se stellings in dorpe soos Benoni en Springs gebombardeer. Enkele maande later het die Lugmag lugsteun verleen aan eenhede van die Unieverdedigingsmag tydens die Bondelswart-Herero-opstand in Suidwes-Afrika. Die Lugmag is in 1925 en 1932 weer ingeroep om te help met die onderdrukking van opstande in die Rehobothgebied en Owamboland. Enkele ander gebeure in die tydperk wat vermelding verdien, is onder meer die totstandkoming van die hersaamgestelde Staande Mag op Februarie 1923 en die algemene reorganisasie van die Unieverdedigingsmag in 1926. Die verdere ontwikkeling van die Unieverdedigingsmag is gedurende die Depressiejare (1929-1933) ernstig gestrem, maar in 1934 is 'n nuwe era betree toe die Minister van Verdediging, adv Oswald Pirow, sy sogenaamde vyfjaar-ontwikkelingsplan aangekondig het. Heelwat van die voorgestelde uitbreidings kon egter nie ten uitvoer gebring word nie en voordat die reorganisasie wat in 1938 in die vooruitsig gestel is, deurgevoer kon word, het die Tweede Wereldoorlog uitgebreek. |
The first important step was the passing of the Defence Act (Act No 13 of 1912) on 14 June 1912, which brought the Union Defence Force into existence on 1 July 1912. The Act made provision for a Permanent Force (established on 1 April 1913), an Active Citizen Force and a Cadet Organisation, both established in July 1913. During the 1913 and 1914 strikes on the Witwatersrand the newly established Union Defence Force had its baptism of fire. The industrial disturbances of 1914 led to the mobilisation of units of the Active Citizen Force and the Permanent Force. The same year saw South Africa enter the First World War, which resulted in an armed rebellion within the country. Within four months the Union Defence Force succeeded in suppressing the insurrection, after which it invaded German South West Africa at the request of Britain. This campaign was successfully concluded in 1915 with only a few casualties. During the First World War South African troops distinguished themselves in East Africa, Palestine and France. The British summer offensive in France and Flanders saw 1 S A Infantry Brigade participate in various battles, including the famous Battle of Delville Wood during July 1916. During this battle, the South Africans suffered particularly heavy losses, but refused to retreat when attacked by overwhelming enemy forces. The period between the wars saw the establisment of the Air Service (out of which the Air Force would develop) in February 1920, and the SA Naval Service on 1 April 1922. That year also saw the mobilisation of Active Citizen Force units to suppress yet another miners' strike on the Witwatersrand. During the ensuing fighting, the newly-born South African Air Force (SAAF) went into action for the first time, bombing the strikers' positions in Benoni and Springs. The SAAF also provided air support for the ground forces during the Bondelswart-Herero Rebellion which flared up in South West Africa a few months later. In 1925 and 1932 the SAAF once again assisted in quelling insurrections in Rehoboth and Ovambo in South West Africa. February 1923 saw the establishment of the regenerated Permanent Force, and in 1926 the Union Defence Force was reorganised on a large scale. The further development of the Union Defence Force was slowed down by the Great Depression of 1929-1933. However, the five-year Development Plan initiated in 1934 by the Defence Minister, Oswald Pirow, marked the beginning of a new era. Many of the expansions could not, however, be put into effect, and before the reorganisation envisaged in 1938 could be implemented, the Second World War erupted. |
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Suid-Afrika se toetrede tot die Tweede Wereldoorlog in September 1939 het opnuut getoon in watter mate die Unieverdedigingsmag op vrywilligers aangewese was. Desondanks het die Suid-Afrikaanse troepe en vlieeniers tydens die veldtog in Abessinie teen die Italiaanse magte hul besonder goed van hul taak gekwyt. Insgelyks het die twee Suid-Afrikaanse divisies wat in Noord-Afrika tydens veldslae by qa Sidi Rezegh, Bardia en El Alamein met die gedugte Afrikakorps van veldmaarskalk Erwin Rommel slaags geraak het, goed rekenskap van hulself gelewer. Altesaam elf eskaders van die S A Lugmag het diens in die Westelike Woestyn gedoen en gedurende operasies soos die "Boston Shuttle Service" groot roem verwerf. Die Jong SA Seemag, wat in die Middellandse See opgetree het, moes soms gevaarlike sendings uitvoer soos die vervoer van oorlogsvoorrade langs die Noord-Afrikaanse kus. Sy skepe het hoofsaaklik mynvee-operasies uitgevoer en as geleidingsvaartuie opgetree. Die Uniemagte het ook 'n groot aandeel gehad in die verpwering van Madagascar en die suidelike deel van Italie waar 6 SA Pantserdivisie en eskaders van die SA Lugmag deur hul optrede groot bewondering afgedwing het. Die heldhaftige optrede van Suid-Afrikaanse lugbemannings tydens die sogenaamde "Warskouse Konsert" toe lewensnoodsaaklike voorrade oor die beleerde Poolse stad afgelaat is - dien ook vermeld te word. Met die beeindiging van die Tweede Wereldoorlog in 1945 het 'n tydperk van grootskaalse demobilisasie in die Unieverdedigingsmag gevolg ofskoon daar nie tot die vooroorlogse situasie teruggekeer is nie. Tydens die Russiese beleg van Berlyn in 1948 het die Suid-Afrikaanse Lugmag 20 bemannings as hulp na die "Berlynse Lugbrug" gestuur en hulle het 1 240 vlugte onderneem. Gedurende die Koreaanse konflik het 2 Eskader van die SA Lugmag as deel van die Weermag meer as 12 000 sendings oor vyandelike gebied onderneem. Die eskader, wat bekendheid verwerf het as die "Flying Cheetahs", het 34 vlieeniers in die oorlog verloor. Ingevolge die Verdedigingswet (Wet No 44 van 1957) wat in 1958 in werking getree het is die naam van die Unieverdedigingsmag na die Suid-Afrikaanse Weermag (SAW) verander. Hierbenewens het die wet uitsluitsel oor die totale spektrum van verdediging verleen en onder meer voorsiening gemaak vir die insluiting van die Kom-mandomag by die Suid-Afrikaanse Weermag. In 1961 is die aanvanklike opleidingsperiode van Burgermaglede tot 9 maande verleng. In 1968 is die lotingstelsel deur 'n nuwe dienspligstelsel vervang terwyl die aanvanklike opleidingstydperk tot 12 maande verhoog is. In die sewentigerjare is die bevel en beheerstruktuur by verskillende geleenthede ingrypend hersien ten einde die SAW in staat te stel om by veranderende omstandighede aan te pas. 'n Stafafdelingstelsel is byvoorbeeld ontwikkel terwyl die Suid-Afrikaanse Geneeskundige Diens op 1 Julie 1979 naas die Leer, Lugmag en Vloot die vierde Weermagsdeel geword het. Insgelyks is die Dienspligstelsel in 1977 hersien waardeur die aanvanklike dienspligperiode tot 24 maande verleng is. Dit is opgevolg deur verdere wetgewing in 1982 en 1984 ingevolge waarvan die verdedigingslas oor 'n bree spektrum van die bevolking versprei is. In 1974 het die Portugese bewind in Mosambiek en Angola ineengestort en gedurende die Angolese Burger oorlog (1975-1976) het 'n Suid-Afrikaanse taakmag met welslae in die suide van Angola opgetree. Die RSA se beperkte ingryping in Angola was primer daarop gemik om te voorkom dat die Angolese konflik na SWA oorspoel. |
South Africa's entry into the Second World War in September 1939 once again illustrated the Union Defence Force's dependence upon volunteers. Nevertheless, South African troops and pilots gave a good account of themselves against the Italian Forces in Abyssinia. The two South African Divisions fought well against Rommel's Afrika Korps in North Africa, notable battles being Sidi Rezegh, Bardia and El Alamein. Altogether eleven SAAF squadrons operated in the Western Desert, and became well-known in operations such as the "Boston Shuttle Service". The infant SA Naval Forces, which operated in the Mediterranean, participated in the dangerous convoy duties and mine clearance operation along the North African coast and harbours as well as in South African waters. The Forces of the Union played a large role in the conquest of Madagascar. In Europe 6 SA Armoured Division and squadrons of the SAAF participated in the Italian Campaign. During the so-called "Warsaw Concerto" the conduct by South African airmen bordered on the heroic. During this operation the task of the aircrews was to drop supplies to the beleaguered Polish city. The Armistice in 1945 was followed by large-scale demobilisation of the Union Defence Force. This did not, however, imply a return to the pre-war situation. Mounting international pressure against South Africa, and the advent of the so-called "Cold War" prevented this. In 1948 the Russians besieged Berlin. The South African Air Force provided 20 aircrews to assist in the "Berlin Airlift". They eventually flew 1 240 sorties to Berlin. During the Korean War South Africa provided a fighter-bomber squadron to assist the United Nations forces. During the conflict 2 Squadron, known as the "Flying Cheetahs", flew more than 12 000 missions against the enemy, losing 34 pilots in the process. In terms of the Defence Act No 44 of 1957 which became effective in 1958, the designation of the Union Defence Force was changed to the South African Defence Force. This Act finalised the entire defence structure, and made provision for the inclusion of the Commandos in the SADF. The Sixties heralded a new era for the SADF. After South Africa had become a Republic in 1961, legislation with regard to military service had to be adapted to keep pace with changing circumstances. In 1961 the initial training period for members of the Citizen Force was extended to 9 months. In 1968 the ballot system was superseded by a new system of military service, and the initial training period was extended to 12 months. During the seventies the SADF's command-and-control structure underwent several major changes to enable the South African Defence Force to adapt to changing circumstances. For example, a staff division system was developed, while the South African Medical Service (SAMS) became the fourth Arm of the Service in July 1979 - the other three being the Army, Air Force and Navy. The 1970s also saw the employment of female military personnel and members of other population groups in the SADF. In 1977 the system of military service was revised in order to extend the service period to 24 months. In 1982 and 1984 legislation spread the defence burden across a broader spectrum of the population. In 1974 the Portuguese rule in Mozambique and Angola came to an end. During the ensuing Angolan Civil War (1975-1976), a South African Task Force operated in Angola. The prime objective of the limited South African intervention in Angola was to prevent the raging conflict from spilling over into South West Africa. |
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Sedert die onttrekking van die Suid-Afrikaanse magte aan Angola in 1976, het SWAPO terroriste egter hul veldtog van terreur in SWA vanaf hul basisse in Suid-Angola verskerp. Ten einde die gebied teen sodanige aanvalle te beskerm, moes die SAW noodgedwonge optree. In Mei 1978 is twee groot terroristebasisse in Angola vernietig en sedert dien het die Suid-Afrikaane veiligheidsmagte in saamewerking met die SWA Gebiedsmag verskeie geslaagde voorsprong en opvolgoperasies onderneem. Operasies wat vermeld kan word, is onder meer Sceptic (1980), Protea (1981), Daisy (1981), Super (1982), Askari (1983), Moduler (1987), Hooper (1987-1988) en Packer (1988). Operasie Protea was die grootste gemeganiseerde krygsoperasie deur die SAW sedert die Tweede Wereldoorlog en het twee maande geduur. Groot hoeveelhede gesofistikeerde wapentuig is gebuit of vernietig en SWAPO se totale logistieke stelsel in Suid-Angola vernietig. Gedurende Operasie Moduler het die SA magte die UNITA weerstandbeweging militer ondersteun ten einde die aanmars van 'n groot FAPLA mag suid van die Lombarivier te stuit Tydens hewige gevegte in September en Oktober 1987 het die Suid-Afrikaanse Artillerie die G-5 medium kanon met groot welslae aangewend. Nadat die FAPLA offensief in Oktober 1987 misluk het, het die Suid-Afrikaanse magte UNITA gehelp om 'n teenaanval te loods en die FAPLA magte na die gebied om Cuito Cuanavale terug te dryf. Hier is die FAPLA magte effektief vasgepen en verhoed om vir 'n nuwe offensief te hergroepeer. Teen die middel van Desember 1987 is Operasie Moduler deur Operasies Hooper en Packer opgevolg waartydens die Suid-Afrikaanse magte takties ontkoppel en teruggetrek het. Die eerste fase van 'n omvangryke organisatoriese herstrukturering van die SAW is in 1986 na 'n indringende ondersoek deur 'n kommissie onder die voorsitterskap van genl J.J. Geldenhuys geimplementeer met die aanstelling van 'n Hoof van Weermagstaf. 'n Sesde stafafdeling nl Beplanning, is ook in 1986 geskep. In 1988 het die situasie in SuidwesAfrika 'n nuwe wending geneem toe onderhandelinge tussen Suid-Afrika, Kuba en Angola in Londen 'n aanvang geneem het. Dit was die begin van 'n nuwe vredesinisiatief wat op 22 Desember 1988 met welslae bekroon is toe twee verdrae vir 'n vreedsame skikking in suidwestelike Afrika onderteken is. Hierdie verdrae het die weg gebaan vir die onttrekking van die Kubaanse magte aan Angola en die implementering van die onderhandelde skikplan vir SWA op 1 April 1989. Sedert 1975, toe terroristegroepe vanuit buurstate in die RSA begin optree het, het elemente van die SAW by verskillende geleenthede langs die RSA se grens met welslae opgetree teen terroriste wat die land probeer binnekom het. Plaaslik speel die SAW ook 'n belangrike rol in die bekamping van landelike en stedelike terrorisme terwyl dit ook die Suid-Afrikaanse Polisie bystaan in die handhawing van wet en orde. |
After the South African withdrawal in 1976, SWAPO terrorists intensified their campaign of terror in South West Africa from bases in southern Angola. To safeguard the territory from such attacks, the SADF had to take action. In May 1978 two large terrorist bases were destroyed in Angola, and since then the South African Security Forces have conducted numerous successful pre-emptive and follow-up operations in conjunction with the SWA Territory Force. Amongst others, these include Sceptic (1980), Protea (1981), Daisy (1981), Super (1982), Askari (1983), Moduler (1987), Hooper (1987-88) and Packer (1988). Operation Protea was the largest mechanised war operation involving the South African Defence Force since the Second World War. It lasted for two months. Large quantities of sophisticated weapons were seized or destroyed and SWAPO's entire logistics system in southern Angola was destroyed. During Operation Moduler the South African forces supported the UNITA resistance movement in its efforts to check the advance of a large FAPLA force south of the Lomba River. During heavy fighting in September and October 1987, the South African Artillery used the long range G-5 medium gun to great effect. After the FAPLA offensive had failed in October 1987, the South African forces assisted UNITA in counter-attacking and driving the FAPLA forces back to the region around Cuito Cuanavale where they were effectively pinned down and prevented from regrouping for a new offensive. In the middle of December 1987 Operation Moduler was followed by Operations Hooper and Packer during which the South African forces tactically disengaged and withdrew. The first phase of a major organisational restructuring of the SADF, following an intensive study into its organisation by a commission under the chairmanship of Gen J.J. Geldenhuys, was implemented in 1986 with the appointment of a Chief of Defence Force Staff. A sixth staff division, viz Planning, was also created. In May 1988 events in South West Africa suddenly took a new turn when negotiations between South Africa, Angola and Cuba started in London. This was the beginning of a new peace initiative which was successfully concluded on 22 December 1988 with the signing of two accords for a peaceful settlement in southwestern Africa. These agreements paved the way for the withdrawal of all Cuban forces from Angola and the implementation of the negotiated settlement plan for South West Africa on 1 April 1989. Since 1975, when terrorist groups began to infiltrate into the RSA from bases in neighbouring countries, elements of the SADF have experienced several contacts along the RSA's borders with terrorists attempting to infiltrate the country. Locally the South African Defence Force also plays an important role in the suppression of urban and rural terrorism and in assisting the South African Police in maintaining law and order.
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BEDREIGING EN RESPONS In 1962 was die bedreiging vir die nuutgestigte Republiek nog uiters gering. Suid-Afrika se uittrede uit die Statebond het egter 'n groter mate van selfstandigheid ten opsigte van sy verdedigingsbehoeftes ge'i'mpliseer. Terselfdertyd moes hy sy sekerheidsituasie heroorweeg teen die agtergrond van die chaos, verwoesting en onstabiliteit wat in sommige van die nuwe onafhanklike Afrikastate gewoed het. In die Verenigde Nasies het 'n aantal lidlande deelge-neem aan 'n veldtog wat die isolasie en omverwerping van die Suid-Afrikaanse regering ten doel gestel het. Vanaf 1960 het verskeie lande boikotte teen Suid-Afrika ingestel terwyl internasionale sanksies verder aangehelp is deur die aksies van anti-Suid-Afrikaanse organisasies. Gedurende die afgelope 25 jaar is nuwe dimensies tot Suid-Afrika se sekerheidsituasie toegevoeg. Sy posisie is nadelig geraak deur verwikkelinge soos die algehele wapenverbod (1977), Kubaanse betrokkenheid in Suidelike Afrika en die groeiende bedreiging van terroristebewegings. Tans word die RSA gekonfronteer deur 'n alomvattende eksterne aanslag. Aan die internasionale front word die RSA meer as ooit tevore ge'i'soleer en aan sanksies onderwerp. Hy is die teiken van 'n multi-dimensionele politieke, ekonomiese, veiligheids, sielkundige en propaganda aanslag. Sanksies en disinvesteringsveldtogte is nou aan die orde van die dag. Die Republiek se verdedigingsverdrae met die Westerse moondhede is eensydig be'e'indig, terwyl 'n verpligte wapenverbod teen die Republiek nou reeds meer as 'n dekade in swang is. Die interne bedreiging van die RSA se veiligheid en stabiliteit het gedurende die afgelope 28 jaar ook toegeneem. Die African National Congress (ANC) en sy Marxistiese ondersteuners blaas onrus en ondermynende aktiwiteite aan in woongebiede, vakbonde, politieke en kultuurorganisasies en selfs in die kerke. Dade van terreur soos bomaanvalle, moorde en intimidasie wat hoofsaaklik teen onskuldige mense gemik is, duur ook voort. Die ANC was in die tagtigerjare ook verantwoordelik vir 'n groot aantal terroriste aanvalle. In 1980 is 19 terreurdade gepleeg en in 1981 het die syfer tot 55 toegeneem. In die daaropvolgende jaar het die syfer tot 39 gedaal, maar in 1983 het dit weer tot 56 gestyg. In 1984 is altesame 44 voorvalle aangemeld en in 1985 het 136 terroriste aanvalle plaasgevind, ofskoon grotendeels op klein skaal. Die ooreenstemmende syfers vir die tydperk 1986 -1988 is 228 (1986), 218 (1987) en 281 (1988). Van die 138 terreurvoorvalle wat tussen 1 Januarie 1988 en 31 Augustus 1988 voorgekom het, was nie minder nie as 55 op burgerlikes of burgerlike teikens gemik. Altesame 38 aanvalle is op die Suid-Afrikaanse Polisie (SAP) uitgevoer, 20 op Regeringsinstansies en 10 op die SAW. Gedurende die afgelope 13 jaar is 295 aanvalle op die SAP gedoen, terwyl 274 teen burgerlike teikens gemik was. Altesame 206 aanvalle was teen Regeringsinstansies en installasies gerig. Die ANC se doelstellings, al om die swart woonbuurte onregeerbaar te maak en die sogenaamde "people's army" te mobiliseer om 'n sogenaamde "people's war" te voer, is nou verder buite sy bereik as ooit vantevore. Die ANC moet grootliks op burgerlike teikens konsentreer vanwee die propagandawaarde daarvan. Daar is egter aanduidings dat die ANC in die nabye toekoms sal poog om meer aanvalle op die veiligheidsmagte te doen. In die afgelope dekade was die Suid-Afrikaanse veiligheidsmagte aktief besig om terrorisme te bekamp. Sedert Januarie 1980 is nege aanvalle deur klein taakgroepe van die SAW op ANC basisse in buurstate geloods. Die feit dat 1 076 dade van terreur in dieselfde tydperk in die RSA gepleeg is, is 'n duidelike bewys dat die RSA se aanvalle op terroristebasisse in buurstate ten volle geregverdig is. Die SAW se militere slaankrag is 'n bevestiging van die RSA se posisie as 'n ekonomiese streeksmoondheid wat met sy buurstate op 'n vreedsame wyse wil saamwerk vir sinvolle ontwikkeling. Eendrag maak Mag |
THREAT AND RESPONSE In 1962 the threat to the newly-established Republic was still negligible. However, South Africa's exit from the Commonwealth implied greater self-reliance in respect of her defence needs. Likewise she had to reassess her security position against the background of the turmoil, chaos and destabilisation raging in some of South Africa's new independent states. In the United Nations a number of member states took part in a crusade for the isolation and overthrow of the South African Government. From 1960 onwards, various countries introduced boycotts against South Africa while international sanctions moves were augmented by the endeavours of anti-South African organisations. During the past 25 years new dimensions were added to South Africa's security situation. Her position was aggravated by new developments such as the total arms embargo (1977), Cuban involvement in Southern Africa and the threat posed by terrorist movements. Today the RSA is confronted by a full-scale external threat in all its facets. On the international front, the Republic is isolated and subject to boycotts as never before. She is the target of a concerted and multi-dimensional political, economic, security, psychological and propaganda onslaught. Sanctions and disinvestment campaigns are now the order of the day. The Republic's defence agreements with the Western powers have been unilaterally abrogated, while a mandatory arms boycott against the Republic has been in effect for over ten years. Internally, too, the threat to the Republic's security and stability has escalated drastically over the past 28 years. The African National Congress (ANC) and its Marxist backers are fomenting unrest and subversive activities in the townships, trade unions, political and cultural organisations and even the churches, whilst the incidence of bombings, murders and intimidation against innocent civilians continues. The ANC has been deeply involved in the spate of terrorist attacks in recent years. Altogether 19 major acts of terrorism were committed in 1980. In 1981 the figure increased to 55, but dropped to 39 in 1982. In 1983 the figure rose to 56, and in 1984 reported incidents totalled 44. In 1985 there were no less than 136 terrorist attacks, mostly on a small scale. The corresponding figures for the period 1986 - 1988 are 228 (1986), 218 (1987) and 281 (1988). Out of 138 incidents of terrorism between 1 January 1988 and 31 August 1988, no fewer than 55 were aimed at civilians or civilian targets. Altogether 38 attacks were against the South African Police (SAP), 20 against Government institutions and 10 against the SADF. Over the past 13 years there have been 295 attacks on the SAP and 274 on civilian targets compared with 206 on Government institutions and installations. The ANC's objectives of making the black townships ungovernable and mobilising a so-called "people's army" to conduct a so-called "people's war", are now further from its grasp than it had been for some years. The ANC has to concentrate largely on civilian targets due to their propaganda value. However, there are indications that the ANC will attempt to concentrate its attacks more on the security forces in the near future. During the past decade the South African security forces have been actively involved in combating terrorism. Since January 1980, nine attacks by small task groups of the SADF have been launched on ANC bases in neighbouring countries. The fact that 1 076 acts of terrorism were committed in the same period in the RSA, proves clearly that the RSA's attacks on terrorist bases in neighbouring countries are fully justified. The formidable capability of the SADF underpins the country's position as a regional economic power, which consistently offers all its neighbours peaceful co-existence and co-operation for meaningful development. Unity is Strength |
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