Marthinus Bekker

Marthinus Albertus Bekker SSA SD SM MMM
Nickname(s)	Bert
Born	1933
Allegiance	South Africa
Service/branch	South African Navy
Rank	Vice Admiral
Commands held	Chief of SADF Staff
Awards	Star of South Africa (SSA) Southern Cross Decoration (SD) Southern Cross Medal (SM) Military Merit Medal (MMM)
Spouse(s)	Eleanor Johnson

Vice Admiral Marthinus Bekker SSA SD SM MMM^[1] (born 1933)^[2] was a former South African Navy officer, who served as Chief of the SADF Staff.

Naval career

He joined the Navy in 1957 and served on the SAS Vrystaat before being transferred to England to join the shipbuilding program for the President class frigates.^[2]

He also served as Chief Paymaster, Director of Logistics Systems and Quartermaster General (1976 – 1982).^[2]

He was later appointed the Minister of Finance for the Ciskei homeland in 1992^[3]

He was appointed as Chief of the SADF Staff,^[4] replacing Kat Liebenberg. Before that he served as Chief of Staff Finances.

Awards and Decorations

• Star of South Africa (SSA)

• Southern Cross Decoration (SD)

• Southern Cross Medal (SM)

• Military Merit Medal (MMM)

• General Service Medal

• Good Service Medal, Gold (30 Years)

• Good Service Medal, Silver (20 Years)

• Permanent Force Good Service Medal

• Grand Star of Military Merit (Chile)

References

1. "Vooraanstaandes vereer". Die Burger. January 28, 1987. Retrieved December 1, 2014.
2. C.J. Nöthling, E.M. Meyers (1982). "Leaders through the years (1912-1982)". Scientaria Militaria 12 (2): 92.
3. Ngcula, Vumile. "Pretoria's men in Ciskei". O'Malley Archives. Retrieved October 6, 2014.
4. "Liebenberg word nuwe hoof van Weermag" [Liebenberg becomes now head of the Army]. Die Burger. July 28, 1990. Retrieved December 2, 2014.