The role of South African armour in South West Africa/Namibia and Angola: 1975-1989

Abstract

Since 1960, there was a growing international dispute about South Africa's mandate over South West Africa(SWA)/Namibia. The South West African People's Organisation (SWAPO) commenced an armed struggle for   independence in 1965. In the early 1970's, South Africa already had a significant military and police presence to curb SWAPO activities. In 1973, the South African Defence Force (SADF) assumed responsibility for the defence of SWA/Namibia from the South African Police (SAP) and, within a few months, were engaged with SWAPO.