Niël Barnard | |
|---|---|
| Born | Lukas Daniel Barnard 1949 |
| Nationality | South African |
| Alma mater | University of the Orange Free State |
| Occupation(s) | University professor and Intelligence Service Head |
| Spouse | Engela Brand |
| Children | Nico Barnard Hannes Barnard |
| Parent(s) | Nicolas Evehardes Barnard Magdalena Catharine Beukes |
| Espionage activity | |
| Allegiance | Republic of South Africa |
| Service branch | National Intelligence Service |
| Service years | 1979 – 1992 |
| Rank | Director-General |
Lukas Daniel Barnard (born 1949), known as Niël Barnard, is a former head of South Africa's National Intelligence Service and was notable for his behind-the-scenes role in preparing former president Nelson Mandela and former South African presidents P.W. Botha and F. W. de Klerk for Mandela's eventual and, as he saw it, inevitable, release from prison and rise to political power.[1]