Head of the Defence Force

Chief of the UDF

Chief of the SADF

Chief of the SANDF

Timeline

Chief of the Army

Chief of the Air Force

Chief of the Navy

Surgeon General

Chief of Joint Operations

Chief of Corporate Staff

Sgts Major

Notes

1. ^During this period, the Navy disposed of its ships and reduced personnel to a few administrative staff due to theGreat Depression.
2. ^WO1 James Samuel Hulme was the first Sergeant Major of the Union Defence Force (UDF), serving from 1947 to 1950. Prior to his appointment as Sergeant Major, he had served in the British Army during World War II, where he was awarded the Military Medal for his bravery in action. He later served in the South African Army until his retirement in 1950.
   As the first Sergeant Major of the UDF, Hulme played an important role in establishing the position and the responsibilities that would come with it. He was responsible for the discipline, training, and morale of the soldiers under his command, and worked closely with officers to ensure that their commands were carried out effectively. He also acted as a liaison between the enlisted soldiers and the officers, and helped to address any concerns or issues that arose.
3. ^WO1 David Goldblatt was the second Sergeant Major of the Union Defence Force, serving from 1950 to 1953. Prior to his appointment as Sergeant Major, he had served in the South African Army, including service in North Africa during World War II.
   As Sergeant Major, Goldblatt was responsible for maintaining the discipline and morale of the troops under his command, as well as ensuring that they were properly trained and equipped. He also played a role in the development of the South African Army's non-commissioned officer corps, and was instrumental in the creation of the rank of Warrant Officer Class 1, which became the highest rank attainable by non-commissioned officers in the South African military.
   After his retirement from the military, Goldblatt became involved in various veterans' organizations, and continued to work to improve the status and recognition of non-commissioned officers in the South African military.
4. ^WO1 John Pelham Mundy was a highly decorated soldier in the South African military who served as the third Sergeant Major of the Union Defence Force from 1953 to 1956.
   Mundy joined the South African Army in 1940 and served in North Africa during World War II. He was awarded several decorations for his bravery in combat, including the Military Medal, the Africa Star, and the War Medal.
   As Sergeant Major, Mundy played an important role in the development of the South African Army's non-commissioned officer corps. He was also known for his dedication to the welfare of the troops under his command, and was often called upon to mediate disputes and resolve conflicts between soldiers.
   After his retirement from the military in 1956, Mundy continued to work to improve the status and recognition of non-commissioned officers in the South African military. He also served as a mentor to many young soldiers, and was widely respected for his leadership and integrity.
5. ^WO1 Thomas Benjamin Brown was a highly decorated soldier in the South African military who served as the Sergeant Major of the Union Defence Force from 1947 to 1953.
   Brown joined the South African Army in 1939 and served in North Africa during World War II. He was awarded several decorations for his bravery in combat, including the Military Medal, the Africa Star, and the War Medal.
   As Sergeant Major, Brown was responsible for the training and discipline of non-commissioned officers in the South African Army. He was also involved in the development of the South African Army's non-commissioned officer corps and played a key role in creating a professional and disciplined military force.
   After his retirement from the military, Brown remained active in veterans' organizations and continued to advocate for the recognition and welfare of non-commissioned officers in the South African military. He was widely respected for his leadership and commitment to service.

References

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14. ^Siphiwe Dlamini (10 December 2019)."SANDF Media Advisory; sandf announces the untimely passing away of the Chief of the Army". Pretoria: Ministry of Defence and Military Veterans, Defence Headquarters. Archived fromthe original on 26 February 2022.
15. ^"President Ranaphosa mourns passing of Chief of the Army, Lt Gen Mokhosi". 10 December 2019.
16. ^Maroela-redaksie (10 April 2020)."Nuwe hoof van leër aangekondig".Maroela Media (in Afrikaans).Archived from the original on 11 April 2020. Retrieved11 April 2020.
17. ^^ab"Fact file: Chiefs of the SA Air Force". DefenceWeb.co.za. 21 January 2010. Retrieved24 July 2014.
18. ^Guy Martin (1 October 2012)."Gagiano hands over command of SAAF". DefenceWeb.
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22. ^^ab"Lobese confirmed as new SA Navy Chief". DefenceWeb. 1 November 2022. Retrieved1 November 2022.
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24. ^"Binda had a long and distinguished military career".The Sowetan. 24 November 2006. Retrieved6 October 2014.
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