Pierre Steyn

Lieutenant General Pierre Derksen Steyn (born 25 November 1942, Swellendam)[1] is a retired South African Air Force officer who served as Chief of the Defence Staff and Secretary for Defence.

Pierre Derksen Steyn
Born	(1942-11-25) 25 November 1942 Bothaville, Orange Free State
Allegiance	South Africa
Service/branch	South African Air Force
Years of service	1964-1994
Rank	Lieutenant General
Commands held	Chief of the Defence Force Staff OC Air Force Base Hoedspruit
Spouse(s)	Fiona Gerda Steyn

He graduated from the Military Academy in 1964,[2] where he was awarded the Sword of Honour. He served as SAAF Chief of Air Staff Operations from 1987–1988,[2] SADF Chief of Staff Personnel (1989–1992) and in 1992 was appointed Chief of Defence Force Staff. While in this position President F.W. de Klerk asked him to investigate the workings of the military intelligence structures prior to South Africa’s first democratic elections in 1994.[3] This became known as the Steyn Report.[4]

Report to the Steyn Commission

Steyn handed his report to De Klerk and the following day, De Klerk issued a statement saying that six top-ranking officials had been placed on compulsory early retirement and sixteen on compulsory leave pending further investigation.[5] This became known as the “Night of the Generals”.

He was appointed Secretary for Defence by in August 1994 but resigned in 1998.[2]

Awards and Decorations

• Southern Cross Decoration (SD)
• Southern Cross Medal (SM)
• Military Merit Medal (MMM)
• Pro Patria Medal
• Southern Africa Medal
• General Service Medal
• Good Service Medal, Gold (30 Years)
• Good Service Medal, Silver (20 Years)
• Good Service Medal, Bronze (10 Years)
• SAAF Pilot's Wings (more than 2500 hours)

References

1. "Pierre Steyn - Who's Who SA". Retrieved January 5, 2015.
2. "Profile of Lt Genl P D Steyn" (PDF). Retrieved October 24, 2014.
3. Gibson, Erika. "Erika Gibson Column: The Arms Acquisition Unplugged". African Armed Forces online. Archived from the original on October 24, 2014. Retrieved October 24, 2014.
4. "Shocks from the Steyn Report". Mail and Guardian. Jan 31, 1997. Retrieved October 24, 2014.
5. "TRC Final Report". Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Retrieved October 24, 2014.

Military offices
New title Post re-created	Secretary for Defence 1994 – 1999	Succeeded by January Masilela
Preceded by Bert Bekker	Chief of Defence Force Staff 1992 – 1993	Vacant Title next held by Siphiwe Nyanda in 1994
Preceded by Len Meyer	Chief of Staff Personnel 1991 – 1992	Succeeded by Willie Wolmarans
Preceded by James Kriel	Deputy Chief of Staff Operations 1990 – 1991	Succeeded by Joep Joubert
	Chief of Air Staff Operations 1987 – 1990	Succeeded by James Kriel
Preceded by Pieter Bosman Huyser	Inspector General South African Air Force 1986 – 1987	Succeeded by PJ Geldinhuys
Preceded by PF Gouws	OC AFB Hoedspruit 1982 – 1984	Succeeded by Chris Lombard