Ramaphosa unveils new military command council
The commander-in-chief of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), President Cyril Ramaphosa, has unveiled the new military command council.
This comes after the retirement of several service and division chiefs during 2020 and 2021.
Lieutenant-General Rudzani Maphwanya takes over as chief, effective June 1.
He takes over from the decorated General Solly Shoke, who retires on 31 May.
Ramaphosa said the transition of leadership couldn't have come at a better time.
"I have chosen to make a national announcement on these appointments as it is the most substantial change of command of the armed forces in several years.
"It is fitting that I make these announcements now, in the month of April.
Not only is this Freedom Month, but it is also the month in which the SANDF celebrates the anniversary of its formation," Ramaphosa added.
Major-General Wiseman Simo Mbambo has been appointed as chief of the South African Air Force while Major-General Siphiwe Sangweni will take over the reigns as Chief of Joint Operations on 1 June.
"I am also pleased to announce that Major-General Ntshavheni Maphaha is appointed as Surgeon General with effect from 1 November 2021," he said.
"The Surgeon-General commands the South African Military Health Service and plans and executives a health care plan to a patient population of over 300,000 people."
Ramaphosa added Major-General Thalita Mxakato rewrites the history books as the first woman to serve on the command council.
Mxakato takes on the role of Chief of Defence Intelligence.
"Once she assumes her position as the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General 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.
"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.
"I have no doubt that as these distinguished individuals assume their new posts, they will also be conscious of the assignment that history has bestowed on them – to be the guardians of democracy, of peace and of freedom.
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