The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has announced the passing of former Chief, General Georg Meiring on Wednesday.
The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga said she learnt with sadness of the passing away of the former Chief on Tuesday afternoon, September 3, 2024.
Meiring is South Africa’s last apartheid defence force chief. He was also appointed by former president Nelson Mandela as the first Chief of the SANDF in the newly established democratic South Africa 30 years ago.
While he led in this position under the new administration from 1994 to 1998 until he retired, his career within the defence force spanned over 30 years.
Speaking to News24, Military expert Helmoed Römer Heitman described Meiring as a straight arrow.
He said Meiring played a pivotal role in integrating the SANDF in the 1990s when the SADF, uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK), and the Azanian People's Liberation Army (APLA) integrated into one defence force.
Minister Motshekga, the Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, retired Majoral General Bantu Holomisa, the Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Richard Hlophe, the Acting Secretary for Defence, Dr Thobekile Gamede, the Chief of the South African National Defence Force, General Rudzani Maphwanya and the entire military command extend their heartfelt condolences to the Meiring family, friends and loved ones for his passing.
The SANDF said details relating to the memorial service and funeral service (s) will be announced once consultation meetings with the family have been concluded.