President Jacob Zuma has today, 10 May 2011, and in terms of Section 202(1) of the Constitution, 1996, read with Section 13(1) of the Defence Act, 2002 (Act 42 of 2002), appointed Lieutenant General Solly Zacharia Shoke as the Chief of the South African National Defence Force with effect from 1 June 2011.
General Shoke replaces General Nhlanhla Ngwenya, the former Chief of the Defence Force who was recently appointed South Africa’s Ambassador to the Republic of Angola.
Lieutenant General Shoke has served the country’s defence force with distinction since the birth of the new South African National Defence Force, in various capacities. Until recently he has been the Chief of the South African Army, the largest component of the four services which make up the defence force, with others being the South African Airforce, the South African Navy and the South African Military Health Service.
“I am confident that Lt General Shoke will serve the defence force, this country and its people with honour and dignity and will discharge his duties with the required zeal and commitment given his understanding of the mandate of the Defence Force,” President Zuma said.
Lt General Shoke was born in the Alexandra township of Johannesburg in August 1956 and has numerous qualifications in fields including Human Resource Management Defence Management.
He received his basic military training in Angola and served in various capacities in the African National Congress’ military wing uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) including as part of the Underground Leadership Collective (Operation Vula) and Commander of the Transvaal Machinery.
Enquiries:
Zizi Kodwa
Cell: 082 330 4910
