CIC Appoints New SANDF Chief

By: Bright Ntuli

President Cyril Ramaphosa, as Commander-in-Chief of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), has appointed Lieutenant-General Rudzani Maphwanya as the Chief of the SANDF  for a period of five years.

The current chief of the SANDF, General Solly Zacharia Shoke, is retiring at the end of the month.

He announced several appointments to the Military Command including Major-General Thalita Mxakato as Chief of defence intelligence.

Ramaphosa says once assuming her new position in June, Mxakato will become the first woman to be appointed to the Military Command of the SANDF.

“This is a significant – and long overdue – development in the ongoing effort to advance the position of women in our armed forces.”

Other appointments include Major-General Wiseman Simo Mbambo, who is appointed as Chief of the South African Air Force, Major-General Siphiwe Sangweni as Chief of Joint Operations as of 1 June 2021 and Major-General Ntshavheni Maphaha is appointed as Surgeon General with effect from 1 November 2021.

“I am confident that under the leadership of these men and women, the SANDF will continue to fulfil its constitutional responsibility, to defend and protect the Republic, its territorial integrity and its people,” says Ramaphosa.

Upon taking up their positions, the three Majors-General will be promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-General.