uMkhonto we Sizwe was the paramilitary wing of the African National Congress (ANC), and was founded by Nelson Mandela in the wake of the Sharpeville massacre. Its mission was to fight against the South African government.
General Siphiwe Nyanda is a former South African military commander and politician. He was a member of uMkhonto we Sizwe and served as Chief of the South African National Defence Force from 1998 to 2005, Minister of Communications from 2009 to 2010 and was appointment as a board member of Denel in May 2018.
General Solly Zacharia Shoke, is a South African military commander. He joined uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK), the military wing of the African National Congress, in the 1970s, and served as a field commander fighting against the South African government in the 1980s. He transferred to the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) when MK was incorporated into it in 1994, and served as Chief of the South African National Defence Force 2011 to 30 May 2021.
Lieutenant General Vejaynand Indurjith Ramlakan was a South African military commander. A medical doctor, he served in Umkhonto weSizwe (MK), the military wing of the African National Congress, during the liberation struggle against the South African government in the 1980s, and transferred to the South African National Defence Force when MK was incorporated into it in 1994.
Vice Admiral Refiloe Mudimu is a former South African military commander, who served as the Chief of the Navy before his retirement in 2014.
Fabian Zimpande "Zakes" Msimang is a retired South African Air Force officer who served as the Chief of the South African Air Force.
Lieutenant General Aubrey Phegelelo Sedibe MBChB is a South African military commander. A medical doctor, he served in uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK), the military wing of the African National Congress, during the liberation struggle against the South African government in the 1980s, and transferred to the South African National Defence Force when MK was integrated to form it in 1994.
Mosiwa Samuel Hlongwane is a South African Navy officer, who served as Chief of the Navy.
The Star for Bravery in Gold, post-nominal letters SBG, was instituted by the President of the Republic of South Africa in April 1996. It was awarded to veteran cadres of Umkhonto we Sizwe, the military wing of the African National Congress, who have distinguished themselves during the "struggle" by performing acts of exceptional bravery in great danger.
The Conspicuous Leadership Star, post-nominal letters CLS, was instituted by the President of the Republic of South Africa in April 1996. It was awarded to veteran cadres of Umkhonto we Sizwe, the military wing of the African National Congress, who have distinguished themselves during the "struggle" by distinguished conduct and exceptional combat leadership.
The Decoration for Merit in Gold, post-nominal letters DMG, was instituted by the President of the Republic of South Africa in April 1996. It was awarded to veteran cadres of uMkhonto we Sizwe, the military wing of the African National Congress, who had distinguished themselves during the "struggle" by outstanding service and utmost devotion to duty.
The Merit Medal in Silver, post-nominal letters MMS, was instituted by the President of the Republic of South Africa in April 1996. It was awarded to veteran cadres of Umkhonto we Sizwe, the military wing of the African National Congress, who had distinguished themselves during the "struggle" by exceptionally meritorious service and particular devotion to duty.
The Merit Medal in Bronze, post-nominal letters MMB, was instituted by the President of the Republic of South Africa in April 1996. It was awarded to veteran cadres of uMkhonto we Sizwe, the military wing of the African National Congress, who had distinguished themselves during the "struggle" by service of a high order.
Lt General Lindile Yam is the former SANDF Chief of staff and former Chief of the South African Army.
Lieutenant General Morris Moadira is a retired South African Army officer who served as the Chief of Logistics for the South African National Defence Force.
Lieutenant General Mojo Motau is a retired South African Army general who served as Chief of Defence Intelligence from 1998–2009.
General Rudzani Maphwanya is a South African military commander who served as Chief of Joint Operations from 2019 till May 2021. He was appointed Chief of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) on 1 June 2021.
Philemon Jerry Masisi, is a retired South African General, military commander and an MK guerilla. He joined Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK), the military wing of the African National Congress, and served in multiple roles while fighting against the South African government from the 1970s. He transferred to the South African National Defence Force after MK was incorporated into it in 1998, and has served as a Defence Attaché in Paris, France from 2005 to 2008 before being the commanding officer of the 8 Medical Battalion Group, from 2008 to 2011. He was responsible for the operation that assisted hospitals with medical assistance during the 2010 health sector strike. He was subsequently promoted to Brigadier General, assuming the position of Director Military Health Human Resources.
Lieutenant General Andrew Masondo, born Andrew Mandla Lekoto Masondo was a South African mathematician, political prisoner, a former general in the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), and a national commissar of the African National Congress's military wing, Umkhonto weSizwe,
Monde Lobese is a South African naval officer, serving as Chief of the South African Navy.
