Magnus Malan

Magnus Malan
Magnus Malan circa 1990.
Minister of Defence
In office
1980–1991
Prime MinisterP. W. Botha and F. W. de Klerk
Preceded byP. W. Botha
Succeeded byRoelf Meyer
Personal details
Born
Magnus André de Merindol Malan

(1930-01-30)30 January 1930
Pretoria, Transvaal, South Africa
Died18 July 2011(2011-07-18) (aged 81)
Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
Political partyNational
Spouse
Magrietha Johanna van der Walt
(m. 1962)
Alma materUniversity of Pretoria
OccupationPolitician and military chief
Civilian awardsOrder for Meritorious Service OMSG
Military service
AllegianceSouth Africa
Branch/service
Years of service1950–1980
RankGeneral
CommandsChief of the South African Defence Force
Chief of the Army
Western Province Command
South African Military Academy
Battles/warsOperation Savannah
Military awardsStar of South Africa SSAG Southern Cross Decoration SD Southern Cross Medal SM Pro Patria Medal (South Africa) ' Good Service Medal ' Good Service Medal ' Permanent Force Good Service Medal '

General Magnus André de Merindol Malan SSA, OMSG, SD, SM, MP (30 January 1930 – 18 July 2011) was a South African military figure and politician during the last years of apartheid in South Africa. He served respectively as Minister of Defence in the cabinet of President P. W. Botha, Chief of the South African Defence Force (SADF), and Chief of the South African Army. Rising quickly through the lower ranks, he was appointed to strategic command positions. His tenure as chief of the defence force saw it increase in size, efficiency and capabilities.[1]

As P.W. Botha's cabinet minister, he posited a total communist onslaught, for which an encompassing national strategy was devised. This entailed placing policing, intelligence and aspects of civic affairs under control of generals. The ANC and SWAPO were branded as terrorist organizations, while splinter groups (UNITA and RENAMO) were bolstered in neighbouring and Frontline States.[1] Cross-border raids targeted suspected bases of insurgents or activists, while at home the army entered townships from 1984 onwards to stifle unrest. Elements in the Inkhata Freedom Party were used as a proxy force, and rogue soldiers and policemen in the CCB assassinated opponents.[1]

  1. ^ a b c "Obit – Magnus Malan: monster and militarist". South Africa. City Press. 23 July 2011. Retrieved 15 August 2018.