South African Military Veterans Organisation of the USA

11/07/2023

Môre.
Morning.

02/25/2022

Lieutenant General Derrick Mgwebi, a legend you've probably never heard of before. The fact he continues to wear his Maroon paratrooper beret, rather than the standard South African staff officer beret tells us a lot about his character. Technically, he's not supposed to wear it, but no one dares tell him otherwise.

Mgwebi is an unusual breed, a hold over from the original South African Defence Force, and still active duty in the modern South African National Defence Force.

What is known is that he joined the Transkei Defence Force in 1978, he completed SADF jump school, and recieved cross training with the Rhodesian Selous Scouts early in his career. It is highly likely that he was a founding member of the Transkei Special Forces, though this will likely never be verified. It is known that he was an active unit member at this time, answering directly to former Selous Scout Commanding Officer Ron Reid-Daly. Due to the clandestine nature of his work, the details remain murky.

What is known, is through various clandestine missions, "pseudo-ops" and coup d'etats, he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in the Transkei Special Forces by 1988. He opted to stay in the new SANDF after the Bantustan's were amalgamated into the RSA. He quickly rose through the ranks, a "fighting general" defining his reputation, unlike many of his colleagues who received military credentials through political favours.

His prior service with Rhodesians, the former regime, and Transkei led him to be passed over for command of the UN MONUSCO mission in the Congo in 2013. Apparently, there was internal outcry within the South African military, and Mgwebi was made commander of the mission in 2015.

One of his first acts in the field, was to throw on a patrol pack, grab a rifle, and lead an infantry platoon in a patrol. His troops were concerned, asking why a Lieutenant General attached himself to their platoon in full kit. He responded something along the lines of "I need to know the ground where I'm going to be fighting".

Through his career, he has actively fought corruption and his status as a South Africa's truest "warrior general" has ensured that even former foes, and the ANC continue to respect him.

01/27/2022

Never forget. Never again.

12/29/2021

12/08/2021

Dec 7, 1941On a quiet Sunday morning, the Japanese Empire launched a surprise attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The devastating attack r...

11/11/2021

Their ideal is our legacy – Their sacrifice our inspiration
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them.

09/11/2021

06/29/2021

Good Morning Veterans, Friends and Supporters of the SA Defence Force Association.

Happy Birthday to our birthday friends of today.

Enjoy your Tuesday. Stay safe.

06/24/2021

Lt Fred Zeelie grew up in the house what today is our offices in Alberton. We salute you.

FOR HIM HE LAST POST HAS SOUNDED

This morning we stand to attention, remove headdress and pause to remember 68343599PE Lieutenant Freddie Johannes Zeelie LWD from 1 Reconnaissance Regiment who was Killed in Action on 23 June 1974 at about 17h45 while engaged on anti-insurgent operations in Southern Angola. While combing thick bush on the left flank of a suspected insurgent position together with Lance Corporal Hillebrand, the insurgents suddenly opened fire with two machine-guns. L/Cpl Hillebrand was pinned down by heavy machine gun fire but Lieutenant Zeelie, without thought for his personal safety and in spite of the extreme danger to which he was exposed, immediately stormed the enemy position over a distance of approximately 50m forcing one machine-gun crew to withdraw and successfully neutralising the other, regrettably losing his life in the process. As a result of this selfless act of gallantry in the face of great personal danger, the left flank of the patrol was able to re-deploy. For his courage, determination and self-sacrifice, Lt Zeelie was posthumously awarded the Louw Wepener Decoration. Lt Zeelie was the first South African soldier to be Killed in Action during the Border War and the only member of Special Forces to ever receive the Louw Wepener Decoration. He was buried with Full Military Honours in Alberton. He was 22.

His name and sacrifice has not been forgotten.