Pierre Steyn

Pierre Derksen Steyn
Born (1942-11-25) 25 November 1942
Swellendam
Allegiance  South Africa
Service/branch South African Air Force
Rank Lieutenant General
Commands held
  • Chief of the Defence Force Staff
  • OC Air Force Base Hoedspruit

Lieutenant General Pierre Steyn (born 25 November 1942, Swellendam)[1] is a retired South African Air Force officer who served as Chief of the Defence Staff and Secretary for Defence.

He graduated from the Military Academy in 1963,[2] where he was awarded the Sword of Honour. He served as SAAF Chief of Air Staff Operations from 19871988,[2] SADF Chief of Staff Personnel (19891992) and in 1992 was appointed Chief of Defence Force Staff. While in this position President F.W. de Klerk asked him to investigate the workings of the military intelligence structures prior to South Africa’s first democratic elections in 1994.[3] This became known as the Steyn Report.[4]

Steyn handed his report to De Klerk and the following day, De Klerk issued a statement saying that six top-ranking officials had been placed on compulsory early retirement and sixteen on compulsory leave pending further investigation.[5] This became known as the “Night of the Generals”.

He was appointed Secretary for Defence in August 1994 but resigned in 1998.[2]

Awards and Decorations

References

  1. "Pierre Steyn - Who's Who SA". Retrieved January 5, 2015.
  2. 1 2 3 "Profile of Lt Genl P D Steyn" (PDF). Retrieved October 24, 2014.
  3. Gibson, Erika. "Erika Gibson Column: The Arms Acquisition Unplugged". African Armed Forces online. Retrieved October 24, 2014.
  4. "Shocks from the Steyn Report". Mail and Guardian. Jan 31, 1997. Retrieved October 24, 2014.
  5. "TRC Final Report". Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Retrieved October 24, 2014.
Military offices
New title
Post re-created
Secretary for Defence
1994  1999
Succeeded by
January Masilela
Preceded by
Bert Bekker
Chief of Defence Force Staff
1992  1993
Vacant
Title next held by
Siphiwe Nyanda
in 1994
Preceded by
Len Meyer
Chief of Staff Personnel
1991  1992
Succeeded by
Willie Wolmarans
Preceded by
James Kriel
Deputy Chief of Staff Operations
1990  1991
Succeeded by
Joep Joubert
Preceded by
James Kriel
Chief of Air Staff Operations
1987  1990
Succeeded by
James Kriel
Preceded by
PB Huyser
Inspector General South African Air Force
1986  1987
Succeeded by
PJ Geldinhuys
Preceded by
PF Gouws
OC AFB Hoedspruit
1982  1984
Succeeded by
Chris Lombard
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