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The General Account of the South African Border War: A Comprehensive and Compelling Narrative

Jarrett Blair

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South African Soldiers Patrolling The Border During The Border War At The Front: A General S Account Of South Africa S Border War

The South African Border War, also known as the Angolan Bush War, was a protracted and bloody conflict that raged in southern Africa from 1966 to 1990. The war pitted the South African Defence Forces (SADF) and its allies against the South West African People's Organisation (SWAPO),a Namibian nationalist movement, and its allies. The conflict was deeply rooted in the complex political and historical landscape of the region, and its consequences continue to reverberate today.

At The Front: A General's Account Of South Africa's Border War

by Jannie Geldenhuys

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	394 pages

Origins of the Border War

The origins of the South African Border War can be traced back to the aftermath of World War II and the decolonisation of Africa. In 1946, the United Nations adopted a resolution calling for an end to colonialism and the establishment of self-government for all territories. However, South Africa, which had administered South West Africa (Namibia) since 1920 under a League of Nations mandate, refused to comply with the UN resolution.

In 1966, SWAPO launched an armed struggle against South African rule in South West Africa. The South African government responded with a brutal counterinsurgency campaign, which included the use of torture, arbitrary detention, and extrajudicial killings. The conflict quickly escalated, and soon became a major international flashpoint.

The South African Defence Forces (SADF) was a formidable military force. It was well-trained, well-equipped, and had a significant technological advantage over SWAPO. However, the SADF was also hampered by a number of factors, including a lack of manpower and a growing international outcry against its human rights abuses.

SWAPO was a guerrilla movement that relied on hit-and-run tactics and the support of the local population. SWAPO also received significant support from the international community, which saw it as a legitimate liberation movement.

The South African Border War ended in 1990 with the signing of the Tripartite Accord. The accord provided for a ceasefire, the withdrawal of all foreign troops from Angola, and the holding of free and fair elections in Namibia. Namibia gained independence in 1990, and the SADF withdrew from the country.

The South African Border War was a long and bloody conflict that had a profound impact on the region. The war cost the lives of thousands of people, and it caused widespread human suffering. The war also had a significant impact on the political and economic landscape of southern Africa.

The South African Border War was a complex and tragic conflict. It was a war that was fought for many reasons, and it had a profound impact on the region. The war should never be forgotten, and its lessons should be learned so that similar conflicts can be avoided in the future.

At The Front: A General's Account Of South Africa's Border War

by Jannie Geldenhuys

4.6 out of 5