Gilbert Ramano | |
|---|---|
 Ramano in 2001 | |
| Born | (1939-07-07)7 July 1939 Sophiatown, Transvaal Province,South Africa |
| Died | 8 June 2025(2025-06-08) (aged 85) |
| Allegiance |  South Africa |
| Branch |  South African Army |
| Years of service | 1964 – 2004 |
| Rank | Lieutenant General |
| Commands |
|
| Battles / wars | Struggle for Liberation of South Africa |
| Awards |               |
| Other work | RSA Mediator toSudan |
Lieutenant GeneralGilbert Lebeko RamanoSSAS SD MMS MMM MMB (7 July 1939 – 8 June 2025) was a South African military commander.[1]
Ramano was born inSophiatown on 7 July 1939.[2] He completed his schooling at Madibane High School and worked as a senior clerk at theWNLA mines depot in Johannesburg from 1961 to 62.[3]
He left South Africa in 1962 to join the armed wing of theAfrican National Congress,uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK). He attended a number of military courses inTanzania,Egypt (special operations), and theSoviet Union, including a Soviet Army Staff Course in 1971. He returned to South Africa in 1992 and attended theZimbabwe Army Staff Course in 1994.[4]
In 1995, he attended the SANDF Joint Staff Course and was appointed General Officer CommandingNorthern Cape Command in July of that year.
In May 1997 he was appointed Deputy Chief of the Army and on 1 July 1998 he was promoted to lieutenant general and appointed Chief of the Army.
Ramano died on 8 June 2025, at the age of 85.[5]
In 1999, Lt General Ramano was awarded theOrder of the Star of South Africa[6]His awards include the following:[3]: Photo
Star of South Africa (Silver) (SSAS)
Southern Cross Decoration (SD)
Merit Medal (Silver) (MMS)
Military Merit Medal (MMM)
Merit Medal (Bronze) (MMB)
Operational Medal for Southern Africa
South Africa Service Medal
Unitas (Unity) Medal
Medal for Distinguished Conduct and Loyal Service (40 Years)
Service Medal (Gold)
Service Medal (Silver)
Service Medal (Bronze)
Legion of Merit (Commander) (LOM)
Order of Military Merit (Grand Officer - Grande-Oficial){{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)| Military offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Lt GenReginald Otto | Chief of theSouth African Army 1998–2004 | Succeeded by Lt GenSolly Shoke |
| Preceded by Maj GenJonny Coetzer | Deputy Chief of theSouth African Army 1997–1998 | Succeeded by Maj GenRoland de Vries |
| Preceded by Maj GenVos Benade | GOCNorthern Cape Command 1995–1997 | Succeeded by Maj GenAaron Ntshinga |
Chiefs of theSouth African Army | ||
|---|---|---|
| Director-General of Land Forces |  | |
| Army Chief of Staff | ||
| Chief of the Army | ||
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