Pierre Steyn
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Pierre Derksen Steyn | |
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| Born | 25 November 1942 Swellendam |
| Allegiance |  South Africa |
| Service | South African Air Force |
| Rank | Lieutenant General |
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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 1987–1988,[2] SADF Chief of Staff Personnel (1989–1992) 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
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SAAF Pilot's Wings (more than 2500 hours)
References
- ^ "Pierre Steyn - Who's Who SA". Retrieved January 5, 2015.
- ^ a b c "Profile of Lt Genl P D Steyn" (PDF). Retrieved October 24, 2014.
- ^ Gibson, Erika. "Erika Gibson Column: The Arms Acquisition Unplugged". African Armed Forces online. Retrieved October 24, 2014.
- ^ "Shocks from the Steyn Report". Mail and Guardian. Jan 31, 1997. Retrieved October 24, 2014.
- ^ "TRC Final Report". Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Retrieved October 24, 2014.
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