Defence, National Security & Strategic Affairs / Verdediging, Nasionale Veiligheid & Strategiese Sake

The Department of Defence’s Journey to Greatness: Nearly Two Years On

South Africa’s Department of Defence has ambitious plans for the SANDF’s future, but ambition alone does not deliver military capability. Nearly two years into the current planning cycle, questions remain about funding, institutional accountability, governance and implementation. The Journey to Greatness needs credible priorities, realistic fiscal scenarios and measurable outcomes. A strategy is not a funding wish list.

New Articles

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Defence, National Security & Strategic Affairs / Verdediging, Nasionale Veiligheid & Strategiese Sake

South Africa's Defence Oversight Problem: When Parliamentary Scrutiny Fails to Deliver

South Africa has no shortage of parliamentary oversight mechanisms, but their effectiveness is undermined by a persistent failure to translate scrutiny into corrective action. Examining defence and military veterans, this article argues that accountability must extend beyond explanations and assurances to measurable improvements in institutional performance and service delivery.

Anglo Boer War / Anglo-Boereoorlog

The Life and Times of Lieutenant Colonel John Walter McLean OBE VD (MID), 1855–1939

The remarkable life of Lieutenant Colonel John Walter McLean OBE VD (MID) spans more than six decades of South African military and civic history. From the early volunteer forces of the Eastern Cape and the frontier campaigns to the Anglo-Boer War, the First World War and the Railway and Harbour Brigade, this account preserves the experiences, service and legacy of a soldier closely associated with the Kaffrarian Rifles and the history of East London.

Nongqai

Navraag oor die Nongqai Voorblad van November 1960

'n Familie-navraag deur Aurelia Borcher oor haar vader, Lewis Jacobus van Buuren, wat op die voorblad van die Nongqai van November 1960 verskyn. Die familie probeer vasstel wie die seuntjie op die foto is en of daar 'n artikel, onderskrif of ander verwysing in die tydskrif was wat verdere agtergrond oor die foto en Van Buuren se polisiediens verskaf.

AI - Artificial Intelligence / AI - Kunsmatige Intelligensie

AI, Counter Terrorism and Extremism

This article discusses AI, counter-terrorism and extremism through the example of a South African teenager alleged to have been involved in a mall bomb plot and later a stabbing. It also quotes Professor Abel Esterhuyse and an ICCT study on how conversational AI can support extremist planning and manifesto drafting.

SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE

Ek, my perd en my geweer: Wat meer is nodig?

‘n Persoonlike verhaal van Antonette Raath Muller oor haar liefde vir wapens, haar toetrede tot die Suid-Afrikaanse Polisie en haar loopbaan as polisievrou en SWAT-instrukteur.

Non-White SAP Officers

Sergeant Govindsamy Reddy

Sergeant Govindsamy Reddy was the first policeman of Indian descent to be appointed as a law instructor at the Wentworth Police Depot in Durban. He began his duties in 1962 and taught recruits about the law, police procedures and their duties towards the public. He believed that police officers needed both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to serve and protect their communities. He guided recruits with care and understanding while maintaining discipline and high standards.

In Memoriam

Everyone we remember

South African Police A Tribute to Cedric Naik 06 October 1971 - 31 October 20261971 – 2026

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Is ek dankbaar genoeg?

November 13, 2026

Die skrywer besin oor hoe sy wêreld in Queenswood verander het, oor veiligheid, verval in die stad en mense wat op verskillende maniere probeer oorleef. Hy eindig deur te vra hoe iemand uit ’n Franko-foniese Afrikaland hierheen kan vlieg om ’n karwag te wees terwyl ’n ander man op die hoek staan en bedel.

Vloog Theron: Die Man wat Almal Kon Oortuig

November 12, 2026

Die skrywer onthou verskeie ontmoetings met die legendariese bedrieër Vloog Theron, van sy arrestasie by die Pretoria Skou in 1977 tot latere stories oor sy vermoë om mense te bekoor en te mislei. Die stuk beskryf ook hoe Theron selfs tydens 'n vlug en in 'n hofsaak ander mense om die bos gelei het.

Maandbrief van die Kapelaan

November 11, 2026

'n Kort oordenking deur ds Jacobus van Tonder oor God se voorsienigheid en die wyse waarop Hy mense op spesifieke tye en plekke gebruik om tot seën van ander te wees. Die boodskap beklemtoon die gelowige se roeping om instrumente in God se hand te wees.

Preserving the Legacy of Our Indian Police Unsung Heroes of Chatsworth Subramonia Pillai, A Pioneer in the South African Police

November 6, 2026

Subramonia Pillai was a true pioneer in the South African Police. He rose from humble beginnings as a factory worker and newspaper seller to become the first Indian police officer to attain the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. He made history as the first Indian Station Commander at Chatsworth in 1965. He later commanded the Indian Police Training College at Wentworth, where he helped train future police officers. His life remains an inspiring example of hard work, education, determination and dedicated service to the South African Police.

Die Onderskeid tussen Koverte Insameling en Koverte Aksie

November 6, 2026

Hierdie artikel verduidelik die fundamentele verskil tussen koverte insameling van intelligensie en koverte aksie. Aan die hand van Suid-Afrikaanse voorbeelde soos Vlakplaas, die Burgerlike Samewerkingsburo en die voormalige Nasionale Intelligensiediens word aangetoon waarom intelligensiedienste hul onafhanklikheid, objektiwiteit en geloofwaardigheid moet behou deur kennisversameling te skei van geheime operasionele optrede.

Special Edition Nongqai Volume 17 No 11A South African Police Sergeant Dhanabalan Moodley A Life of Service, Dedication and Family

November 4, 2026

Dhanabalan Moodley joined the South African Police on 3rd April 1968 and completed his basic police training at Wentworth, DurbanHe served at Mountain Rise, Randfontein and Krugersdorp with other police members. Throughout his career, he gained experience in crime prevention, patrol duties, court administration, office and medic-legal work. He retired in 1997 after many years of service. His life story also reflects his love for his family and the great sorrow he and his wife suffered following the sudden death of their son, Dr Vishal, in 2024.

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Anglo Boer War / Anglo-Boereoorlog

The Battle of Sannaspos – A Tactical Triumph

The Battle of Sannaspos was fought on 31 March 1900, roughly 20 kilometres east of Bloemfontein in the Orange Free State. It was one of the most successful Boer operations of the Anglo-Boer War and a significant setback for the British forces following their occupation of Bloemfontein on 13 March 1900.

Jennifer Bosch · November 14, 2026

Functions of the SA Police