Johannes Geldenhuys
| Johannes Geldenhuys | |
|---|---|
| Born |
5 February 1935 Kroonstad, Orange Free State Province, Union of South Africa |
| Allegiance |
 South Africa |
| Service/branch | South African Army |
| Years of service | 1954-1990 |
| Rank | General |
| Commands held |
Chief of the South African Defense Force (1985-1990) Chief of the South African Army (1980-1983) GOC South West Africa (1980-1985) |
| Battles/wars | Border War |
| Awards |
Order of the Star of South Africa SSAS Southern Cross Decoration SD South African Police Star for Outstanding Service SOE Southern Cross Medal SM |
General Johannes ('Jannie') Geldenhuys, SSAS, SD, SOE, SM, is a former South African military commander who served as Chief of the South African Defence Force between 1985 and 1990.[1][2]
Born in Kroonstad on 5 February 1935,[1] Geldenhuys' military career began when he joined the South African Army in 1954, serving in the infantry. Later he went on to higher command in 1977, serving as commander of South West Africa Command, a post he held until 1980, when he served in the position of General Officer Commanding the South West Africa Territory Force. After this he became Chief of the Army, before being promoted to the position of Chief of the South African Defence Force on the 31st of October 1985. In this role, he took part in negotiations that brought the Border War to an end in 1989, after 23 years of fighting.[2]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "5 February 1935: General Jannie Geldenhuys is born". SA History.org. Retrieved 21 November 2010.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Senior (High Office) Officers / Offisiere". SADF Info. Retrieved 21 November 2010.
Further reading
- Geldenhuys, Jannie (2009). At the Front: A General's Account of South Africa' Border War. Johannesburg, South Africa: Jonathan Ball Publishers SA. ISBN 978-1-86842-331-6.
| Military offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Constand Viljoen |
Chief of the South African Defence Force 1985–1990 |
Succeeded by Andreas Liebenberg |
| Preceded by Constand Viljoen |
Chief of the South African Army 1980–1985 |
Succeeded by Andreas Liebenberg |
|