Nongqai — Police & Defence History Magazine

995 articles

1975 - PATU 8 - Rhodesia SAP Coin

Patu 8

1975 - SAP in Rhodesia - PATU No 8

1988 Ereburgerskap: Middelburg

Ereburgerskap – Middelburg

11988 - Ereburgerskap – SA Polisie - Middelburg – Nongqai Vol 17 No 5

Editions / Uitgawes

Nongqai - Digital Edition - April 2026

Nongqai Volume 17 Nr. 3.

Africa Strategic Alignments

STARLINK and CONNECTIVITY - Dr Joan Swart

In Nongqai Vol.17 No 4, Strategic Security Analyst Dr Joan Swart examines how and why STARLINK has become a buzz word not only in the age of Strategic Infrastructe and Interconnectivity, but also a bilateral political point of contention between South Africa and the United States.

1899 - 1902 Anglo Boer War

Kraaipan

Anglo Boer War - 1899 - The Battle at Kraaipan

Africa Strategic Alignments

NARRATIVE COHERENCE AND STRATEGIC POWER IN MODERN CONFLICT- Dr Joan Swart.

In Nongqai Vol.17 No 4, Strategic Security Analyst Dr Joan Swart examines how and why observers, policymakers, and analysts interpret the same events in sharply divergent ways, sometimes arriving at conclusions that seem not merely different, but incompatible.

1896 Jameson Inval

Whispers of War

This article examines the political tension and population movements that followed the failed Jameson Raid of 1895–1896, focusing on the mass departure of British subjects from the South African Republic (Transvaal). After Dr. Leander Starr Jameson and his officers surrendered and were sent to England for trial, the Raid intensified distrust between Boer authorities and the Uitlander population. As the article notes, “many British settlers no longer believed they could live and work safely in a Boer republic that now treated them as potential traitors.” The study highlights how British officials, including High Commissioner Alfred Milner, used Uitlander grievances to escalate diplomatic pressure on President Paul Kruger, contributing to the mounting crisis that preceded the Anglo‑Boer War. The article also describes British naval intervention, such as HMS Philomel intercepting the Avondale Castle and forcing it to unload £250,000 in specie, demonstrating Britain’s strategy to restrict Boer access to financial resources. The exodus itself was dramatic: in September 1899, “6000 Europeans left Johannesburg alone in two days,” with early departures occurring in relative comfort and later refugees travelling in cattle trucks under harsh conditions. By October, both Boer and British forces were mobilising, martial law was imposed, and bullion shipments were seized and redirected. The article argues that this mass movement of people weakened the British “fifth column” within the Transvaal while simultaneously strengthening Britain’s claim that Uitlander rights were endangered, thereby helping to justify the coming war.

Excellent service

R Nel – Nongqai Vol 17 Vol 4

This biographical narrative traces the 38‑year career of Colonel Riana Nel in the South African Police (SAP/SAPS) from 1978 to 2016. Beginning with her graduation as a constable — “dedication and pride became part of my equipment” — the account follows her progression through a male‑dominated police structure during a period marked by political unrest, operational pressure, and limited promotional opportunities for women. Despite these constraints, she pursued continuous professional development, completing the National Certificates in Police Administration and later a BA in Police Science. Her career is distinguished by extensive contributions to police training and institutional development. After early operational experience in Lichtenburg and Potchefstroom, she transitioned to major training environments, including Koeberg and later the Oudtshoorn Police Academy. At Oudtshoorn she played a central role in establishing and managing the academy’s administrative, academic, and support structures. As Commandant from 2000, she oversaw major infrastructure upgrades, including a R125‑million redevelopment project and the establishment of the first role‑play training centre in a police academy. Under her leadership, the academy achieved SASSETA accreditation and was awarded “Centre of Excellence” status. Her work extended to international collaboration, notably with Swedish police training institutions, and to community outreach programmes supporting schools, vulnerable groups, and water‑safety initiatives. She received multiple awards for leadership and excellence, including recognition as the top Commandant among 26 academies. A profound personal turning point occurred in 2010 with the death of her husband, Colonel Frank Nel — “our family’s anchor and rock was suddenly gone” — after which she continued her service through resilience, faith, and renewed purpose. The narrative concludes with her achievements in sports, community involvement, and lifelong learning, underscoring the foundational role of police discipline, service ethos, and spiritual conviction in her life.