Solly Shoke

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Solly Shoke
General Solly Shoke - SEAC visits Africom.jpg
Born (1956-08-15) 15 August 1956 (age 66)
Johannesburg, South Africa
AllegianceFlag of South Africa.svg  South Africa
Service/branchFlag of the South African Army.svg  South African Army
uMkhonto we Sizwe
Years of service1970s–present
Rank General (South African Army)
Field commander (uMkhonto we Sizwe)
UnitG5 Unit uMkhonto we Sizwe
Commands held Chief of the South African National Defence Force (2011–2021)
Chief of the Army (2004–11)
Battles/wars Operation Boleas
Awards NOT-AVAILABLE-RIBBON.svg Ribbon Star for Bravery in Silver.png Ribbon - Merit Medal in Silver.png Ribbon - Operational Medal for Southern Africa.png Ribbon - South Africa Service Medal.png Ribbon - Tshumelo Ikatelaho.gif NOT-AVAILABLE-RIBBON.svg Ribbon - Unitas Medal.gif Ribbon - Medalje vir Troue Diens.gif Ribbon - Medalje vir Troue Diens.gif Ribbon - Service Medal in Silver.png Ribbon - Service Medal in Bronze.png BRA Ordem do Merito Militar Grande Oficial.png

General Solly Zacharia Shoke, OMBG , SBS , MMS , OMS (born 15 August 1956) [1] 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. [2]

Contents

Military career

Shoke received his education at Orlando High School, Orlando Township, [3] in Johannesburg. Other academic qualifications include a Diploma in Human Resources Management from Damelin, a Certificate in Defence Management from the University of the Witwatersrand and a Certificate in Personnel Management from IPM. Shoke joined Umkhonto we Sizwe, the military wing of the African National Congress (ANC), in the 1970s. In the 1980s he served as field commander during the liberation struggle against the South African government. He obtained his military training in Angola and completed the Brigade Commanders Course in the USSR. He became part of the underground leadership of Operation Vula in 1988. Between 1993 and 1994, Shoke followed an Intermediate Staff Course in Zimbabwe. In 1994 he was appointed as Director Personnel Planning of the South African Army. [3]

In 1998, Shoke commanded the South African Development Community forces during Operation Boleas in Lesotho. He was the Director Personnel Acquisition from January 1999 to October 2000, when he was promoted to the rank of major general as the Chief Director Human Resources Support. [4] He was promoted to Chief of the Army in 2004, [5] and became Chief of the South African National Defence Force in May 2011. [6]

Shoke meeting with United States Secretary of the Navy, Ray Mabus 141118-N-LV331-003 Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus meets with Chief of the South African National Defense Force Gen. Solly Zacharia Shoke.JPG
Shoke meeting with United States Secretary of the Navy, Ray Mabus

Honours and awards

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References

  1. ↑ Moeketsi, Maj P.I. (September 2004). "The new Chief of our Army takes charge" (PDF). SA Soldier. 11 (9): 15. ISSN   1609-5014 . Retrieved 20 December 2014.
  2. ↑ Seleka, Ntwaagae (14 April 2021). "Ramaphosa announces Lt-General Rudzani Maphwanya as incoming SANDF Chief". News24. Retrieved 15 April 2021.
  3. 1 2 "Zacharia Solly Shoke | South African History Online". Sahistory.org.za. 15 August 1956. Retrieved 21 March 2013.
  4. ↑ "SENIOR PROMOTIONS AND APPOINTMENTS IN THE SANDF". South African Government. 27 September 2000. Archived from the original on 17 January 2010. Retrieved 8 May 2013.
  5. ↑ "Fact file: Chiefs of the SA Army". DefenceWeb. 10 November 2008. Retrieved 21 March 2013.
  6. ↑ "Defence Secretary". Dod.mil.za. 15 August 1956. Retrieved 21 March 2013.
  7. ↑ "National Orders Booklet 2010" (PDF). p. 14.
  8. ↑ Szabo, Christopher (1 June 2011). "Outgoing C SANDF says UN mission influenced by SA troops". DefenceWeb. Retrieved 21 March 2013.
Military offices
Preceded by Chief of the South African National Defence Force
2011–2021		Succeeded by
Preceded by Chief of the Army
2004–2011		Succeeded by
Preceded by
Joan van der Poel
 Chief Human Resources Support
2000-2004		Succeeded by
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