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Johannes Geldenhuys

1935 – 2018

South African army general

Military personnel
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About Johannes Geldenhuys

Lived 1935 – 2018 (aged 83). Johannes Geldenhuys was a South African military personnel.

General Johannes Jacobus (Jannie) Geldenhuys (5 February 193510 September 2018) was a South African military commander who served as Chief of the South African Defence Force from 1985 to 1990.

Early life Geldenhuys was born in Kroonstad on 5 February 1935.

Military career He joined the army on 4 January 1954 as a candidate officer.

In 2023, Geldenhuys was named as an accomplice to the torture and murder of anti-apartheid activist Abdullah Haron.

Death Geldenhuys died on 10 September 2018 due to the effects of Alzheimer's disease. He was survived by his wife Marié, daughters Anna-Marié and Lollie, and son Bruwer. Another son, Martin, predeceased him.

Medals and decorations

, Knight

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Important facts

Born
5 February 1935, Kroonstad
Birth century
20th century
Died
10 September 2018, George
Occupation
Military personnel
Nationality
South Africa
Education
University of Pretoria
Positions held
Chief of the South African Army
Awards
Star of South Africa, Gold; Southern Cross Decoration; South African Police Star for Outstanding Service; Southern Cross Medal; Military Merit Medal; Pro Patria Medal; Good Service Medal, Gold; Good Service Medal, Silver; Permanent Force Good Service Medal; Commander of the Order of Prince Henry; Order of the Cloud and Banner; Military Merit Medal (South Africa)

People in Johannes Geldenhuys's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Portrait of Abdullah Haron
Abdullah Haron
1924 – 1969
Imam

Contemporaries

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Frequently asked questions

Who was Johannes Geldenhuys?

South African army general

When was Johannes Geldenhuys born?

Johannes Geldenhuys was born on 5 February 1935 in Kroonstad.

When did Johannes Geldenhuys die?

Johannes Geldenhuys died on 10 September 2018 in George.

What was Johannes Geldenhuys's occupation?

Johannes Geldenhuys was a military personnel.

What nationality was Johannes Geldenhuys?

Johannes Geldenhuys was South African.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Johannes Geldenhuys

· Wikidata: Q6216696

· DBpedia: Johannes Geldenhuys

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Johannes Geldenhuys. https://biography.guide/johannes-geldenhuys/

MLA: "Johannes Geldenhuys." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/johannes-geldenhuys/.

Chicago: "Johannes Geldenhuys." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/johannes-geldenhuys/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-24 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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