Magnus Malan

General Magnus Malan SSA OMSG SD SM MP
Magnus Malan circa 1990.
Minister of Defence
In office 1980–1991
Prime Minister	P. W. Botha and F. W. de Klerk
Preceded by	P. W. Botha
Succeeded by	Roelf Meyer
Personal details
Born	Magnus André de Merindol Malan (1930-01-30)30 January 1930 Pretoria, Transvaal, South Africa
Died	18 July 2011(2011-07-18) (aged 81) Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
Political party	National
Spouse	Magrietha Johanna van der Walt ​ ​ (m. 1962)​
Alma mater	University of Pretoria
Occupation	Politician and military chief
Civilian awards
Military service
Allegiance	South Africa
Branch/service	South African Army South African Navy
Years of service	1950–1980
Rank	General
Commands	Chief of the South African Defence Force Chief of the Army Western Province Command South African Military Academy
Battles/wars	Operation Savannah
Military awards

General Magnus André de Merindol Malan SSA, OMSG, SD, SM, MP (30 January 1930 – 18 July 2011) was a South African military figure and politician during the last years of apartheid in South Africa. He served respectively as Minister of Defence in the cabinet of President P. W. Botha, Chief of the South African Defence Force (SADF), and Chief of the South African Army. Rising quickly through the lower ranks, he was appointed to strategic command positions. His tenure as chief of the defence force saw it increase in size, efficiency and capabilities.^[1]

As P.W. Botha's cabinet minister, he posited a total communist onslaught, for which an encompassing national strategy was devised. This entailed placing policing, intelligence and aspects of civic affairs under control of generals. The ANC and SWAPO were branded as terrorist organizations, while splinter groups (UNITA and RENAMO) were bolstered in neighbouring and Frontline States.^[1] Cross-border raids targeted suspected bases of insurgents or activists, while at home the army entered townships from 1984 onwards to stifle unrest. Elements in the Inkhata Freedom Party were used as a proxy force, and rogue soldiers and policemen in the CCB assassinated opponents.^[1]