Andre Retief

Brigadier General Andre Retief [1] SM & Bar MMM
Born	(1961-09-04)4 September 1961 Louis Trichardt
Died	13 July 2020(2020-07-13) (aged 58)
Allegiance	South Africa
Branch	South African Army
Years of service	1979–2018
Rank	Brigadier General
Commands	South African Army Armoured Formation
Awards

Brigadier General Andre Retief SM & Bar MMM is a South African Army officer.

Military career

On 24 January 2014 he took over command of the South African Army Armoured Formation from Brig Gen Chris Gildenhuys. ^[1]

He was succeeded by Fezile Mbotyi on 1 September 2018 and retired. ^[2]
He died on 13 July 2020. ^[3]

Awards and decorations

61 Mech Operational Service Badge (Service)

Black on Thatch beige, Embossed. Rectangular bar (upright) with a black dagger and three black lightning flashes angled diagonally across the blade

• Southern Cross Medal (1975) (SM)
• Military Merit Medal (MMM)
• Pro Patria Medal
• Southern Africa Medal
• General Service Medal (South Africa)
• Unitas (Unity) Medal
• Medalje vir Troue Diens (Medal for Loyal Service) (30 Year Clasp)
• Good Service Medal (Bronze (10 Years))
• Commander of the Order of Military Merit (Jordan)

References

1. "Sandstone Heritage Trust participates in Change of Command Parade". Sandstone Estates. Retrieved 23 December 2014.
2. "New boss for SA Army heavy metal formation". Defence Web. Retrieved 3 October 2025.
3. "Tribute to Colonel Andre Retief". International Institute of Humanitarian Law. Retrieved 3 October 2025.

Military offices
Preceded by Chris Gildenhuys	GOC South African Army Armoured Formation 24 January 2014 – 31 August 2018	Succeeded by Fezile Mbotyi