Historical Organization
South African Defence Force
South African Defence Force
Also known as: SADF
Details
Organization Timeline
South African forces attack Cassinga
📅 3 May 1978South African airborne forces attacked a SWAPO refugee and transit camp at Cassinga, killing hundreds. The raid became a major symbol of regional resistance to apartheid military power.
South African forces raid Matola
📅 30 January 1981Commandos attacked homes used by ANC members near Maputo, killing activists and Mozambican civilians. The cross-border raid showed the regional reach of apartheid repression.
MK attacks Voortrekkerhoogte military headquarters
📅 9 August 1981Rocket fire struck the major military complex outside Pretoria, symbolically targeting the armed institutions protecting apartheid.
South African commandos carry out the Maseru raid
📅 9 December 1982The attack on houses in Lesotho killed ANC members and Basotho civilians, provoking international condemnation of apartheid's cross-border warfare.
South African forces raid Gaborone
📅 14 June 1985A cross-border attack killed ANC members, South African refugees and Botswana citizens, violating Botswana's sovereignty.
The government declares a partial state of emergency
📅 20 July 1985Emergency rule in 36 districts expanded detention, curfew and censorship powers in response to sustained township resistance.
A nationwide state of emergency is imposed
📅 12 June 1986The government introduced extensive detention, censorship and security powers across the country before the tenth anniversary of the Soweto uprising.
Troops enter townships amid ANC-IFP violence
📅 15 August 1990The state deployed troops southeast of Johannesburg as conflict between ANC and IFP supporters intensified during the uncertain transition.
The Goldstone Commission exposes a military intelligence centre
📅 16 October 1992Investigators seized plans from a secret operation linked to destabilizing the ANC, strengthening concerns about a state-sponsored third force.