About Me

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I saw active service in conventional, clandestine and covert units of the South African Defence Force. I was the founder of the Private Military Company (PMC) Executive Outcomes in 1989 and its chairman until I left in 1997. Until its closure in 1998, EO operated primarily in Africa helping African governments that had been abandoned by the West and were facing threats from insurgencies, terrorism and organised crime. EO also operated in South America and the Far East. I believe that only Africans (Black and White) can truly solve Africa’s problems. I was appointed Chairman of STTEP International in 2009 and also lecture at military colleges and universities in Africa on defence, intelligence and security issues. Prior to the STTEP International appointment, I served as an independent politico-military advisor to several African governments. Until recently, I was a contributing editor to The Counter Terrorist magazine. All comments in line with the topics on this blog are welcome. As I consider this to be a serious look at military and security matters, foul language and political or religious debates will not be entertained on this blog.

Saturday, December 17, 2016

A MERRY CHRISTMAS ALL AND A GREAT 2017!


I would like to wish each and every visitor to the blog a blessed and merry festive season. To those who celebrate the meaning of Christmas, I wish you and your families a blessed, happy and joyous festive season.

To those who do not celebrate Christmas for whatever reason I wish you all a time of happiness and peace with your families and friends.

I would also like to wish each and every one of you – and your loved ones - a great 2017. May the coming year be filled with good health, happiness and safety.

Thank you to everyone who read and contributed to the blog throughout the year. Your comments are always appreciated and highly valued as they give me insight and allow me to broaden my own knowledge base.

To everyone who is far from home at this time, and to those who are deployed in the conflict zones around the world, beit as soldiers, sailors, airmen, law enforcement officers, spooks or PMC contractors, keep your heads down, your eyes peeled, your weapons close at hand, stay safe and be ready to do what needs to be done.

Let us also remember those who will not be able to be share this time with those they hold dear as well as those who have lost friends and loved ones. They should never be forgotten. Nor should the sacrifices they have made ever be forgotten.

A very merry Christmas season to all!
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Tuesday, December 13, 2016

THANK YOU BUSH WAR BOOKS AND OTHERS…


When Piet Fourie and Johan Jonker of Bush War Books (www.warbooks.co.za) asked if I would be willing to visit several MOTH shellholes in and around Cape Town, I was happy to oblige.

Not only was I afforded the opportunity to discuss my book (Composite Warfare) but I was also able to meet some old friends, make new friends, and also have the great pleasure of seeing some of my old parachute sappers from way back when.

Piet and Johan organised talks at three different shellholes as well as at Bargain Books in Canal Walk.

I would like to express my thanks to the Old Bills, Deon vd Berg, Mark Bester, and Phillip McLachlan of the Blaauwberg Cuca Shellhole, the Old Red Barn Shellhole, and the Marshall Smuts Shellhole respectively, for hosting me.

My thanks also to all of the MOTH’s and their families and friends who came to support me and who gave me their friendship and hospitality. 

It was fun and interesting to discuss the changes we are witnessing in not only our own country, but across Africa and the world.

Thanks too must go to Bargain Books in Canal Walk for allowing their shop to be used at very short notice. It was here that I also met several Facebook friends and was able to spend a few minutes chatting to them. Thanks guys for your support as well.  

My sincerest thanks to Piet Fourie and Johan Jonker of Bush War Books for their friendship, organisational skills, and support. It is indeed a pleasure to work with you both!

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