Johannes Geldenhuys

Johannes Geldenhuys SSAS, SD, SOE, SM, GCIH, ORB

Born	(1935-02-05)5 February 1935 Kroonstad, Orange Free State Province, Union of South Africa
Allegiance	South Africa
Service/branch	South African Army
Years of service	1954 – 1990
Rank	General
Commands held	Chief of the South African Defense Force (1985 – 1990) Chief of the South African Army (1980 – 1983) GOC South West Africa (1977 – 1980)
Battles/wars	Border War
Awards	Star of South Africa (SSA) Southern Cross Decoration (SD) South African Police Star for Outstanding Service (SOE) Southern Cross Medal (SM) Military Merit Medal (MMM) Pro Patria Medal Good Service Medal, Gold (30 Years) Good Service Medal, Silver (20 Years) Permanent Force Good Service Medal Knight Order of Prince Henry (GCIH) (Portugal) Grand Cross of Order Military Merit (Paraguay) Order of the Cloud and Banner - with Grand Cordon (2nd Grade) (ORB)(Taiwan) Grand Star of Military Merit (Chile)

General Johannes ('Jannie') Geldenhuys SSAS SD SOE SM GCIH ORB, is a former South African military commander who served as Chief of the South African Defence Force between 1985 and 1990.

Born in Kroonstad on 5 February 1935, He obtained a BMil from the University of Pretoria before joining 1 Special Service Battalion. Later he went on to higher command in 1977, serving as commander of South West Africa Command, a post he held until 1980, when he served in the position of General Officer Commanding the South West African Territorial Force. After this he became Chief of the Army, before being promoted to the position of Chief of the South African Defence Force on 31 October 1985. In this role, he took part in negotiations that brought the Border War to an end in 1989, after 23 years of fighting.