This is so important, so grateful the rest of the world can see these programs, was thrilled to see Al J Venters name again. He is a brilliant South African journalist.
I fought. We have something to show for it. A South Africa where you can speak your mind, and we have not been torn apart by civil war. That is not nothing.
Indeed. I was looking at my old fotos the other day. I was 17 when I went in. I look at my 18 year old son (he was born when I was 43) and think how could he ever manage that??? No wonder my mother was so concerned.
I was there 1981 82 did my official rank at infantry school Oudtshoorn did 7 months in Angola with 32 men under me came back with all of them ... The truth about Africa still persists ... They will never learn just look at how the current regime have destroyed this country....
Ah good memories. As an intelligence nco I was mostly office bound in Sec 20 HQ at Rundu. But I had the privilege to fly in a Puma to deliver food and vehicle Parts (for a buffel) somewhere east of Nkongo to the RM force team (Mbindi) of Lt Leon Viljoen (RIP)
If it wasn’t for us fighting that war. We would be living in a complete different country today. If we were taken before the fall of the soviet union , Nam.and SA.would be in a complete disaster as most other African countrys are !
It’s not well understood that this war had nothing at all to do with apartheid, and everything to do with keeping communist influence out. The present government might be more sympathetic to the other side’s cause, but they would have a difficult time coming to a different conclusion than the old government on involvement in Angola- since there would be no money to stuff in couches if the Cubans/ Russians got to Cape Town. Nobody realises that or thinks about it….this war was South Africa’s Ukraine.
Heh heh. You have to keep this story in context. Al Venter was our guy and there certainly is a pro SA stance - all sides engage in propaganda. I was in the SAAF at the time so I'm not gonna argue with what is said. The guys did a fantastic job - the job they were given. We may have changed the timing of majority rule in SA and that may have helped. I don't know. A lot of our kids died in this. Was it worth it? Again - I don't know. I hope it was.
The choppers is called pumas attacks was called contacts.I was in charge of booby trap setups before contacts iniated by ourselves.We did not do firefights we only fired planning and recon was so good and practise in as we did not have the luxury of vehicles.
That was not standard issue, we used to open cans with the knife or fork from our standard issue eating utensils( Pikstel). They looked more like a normal knife, fork and spoon.
I have used them all sks,rpd,ak 47 r4,r5,fn,r1 and rpg some lesser known weopons as well.Was part of weopons development as well the drum type m79 the old snotneus.The lighter lmg the no 8 and drones.Use to operate only at night most of these fellows shown here went past us and they didnt even know we where there.Use to use the old drivers brille to operate at night.We eventually made better versions of them.
We only traveled in vehicles till the kaplyn from there it was on foot.Saw many of the so called special forces and they didnt even know we where there.
I did my national service was on the boarder did camps. During this time I complained and was sent to 2 mil. Left the army at the age of 21 I had my first op subsequently I have had approximately 50 ops. My problem is not the above but am cross that the so called terrorist are entitled to pensions and medical yet I am not. Why.
Been there done that. 4sai Middelburg TVL tent dorp Bravo Co Peleton 10 Okalongo 5 months Ombalantu 5 months Ombalantu 3 months Vembe 1 month. Contact one, July 18th 79' 5clicks out from Ombalantu.
Instead of bowing to international pressures and only support their neighbour in the shadows, South Africa should have thrown the full weight of SADF behind and in support of the Rhodesians during their war to save their country, and perhaps the terrorists might have been stopped before they had chance to heat things up for South Africa.. Everyone calls the Rhodesian and South African people racists but if you look at their two country's before the end of white government rule, and afterwards, and the rate of stolen land from white farmers, the brutal attacks and murders of white African people, you can clearly see that they weren't racists, they just knew who they were dealing and everything they feared would happen, has happened.. Successful African nations before 1980 and 1994 are dangerous cess pools of danger, rape and murder! But hey, as long as it's politically correct eh, that's all that matters.
Thank you for leaving us a Bunch of Men full of trauma and PSTD. Most of our fathers never came back from that war, they left a part of themselves in that shit hole.
A year at Infantry School, a year at 5 SAI. Spent every Xmas , New Year and my birthday on the border for 7 years after my 2 years. What a complete waste of time defending the indefensible. Not proud of ever being there. Are we at war with SWAPO today, or is Namibia a peaceful country.
How were we to know? And it may have made a difference in fact. It delayed the inevitable. But I would find it hard to justify to my chinas who are dead 😞
Not true @jerome. It might not seem like it but there is a difference. Our painful politics aside we defended the nation & ALL its people from the threat of the day, which is why unlike the marxists we did not swear allegiance in defence of an ideology at all costs. That is why we were trained to defend the nation even if Govt changed.
Poor journalism...one sided. Only showing injured and dead black soldiers from Angola. Only interviewing white soldiers. Not talking about the indoctrination of black soldiers from Angola to join SANDF. I'm not sure if any black soldier got any bravery medal or was it only white soldiers who were recognized? First time I hear a journalist say he is "happy to see the results"....of dead people. I should not refer to him as a journalist, as he clearly is not acting unbiased in this video. It is a good reminder of how the USA secretly asked, supported and funded the SA government at the time to fight this war as although sactions were in play at the time, the USA needed SA to fight as USSR supplied FAPLA with arms and armored vehicles via Cuba to Angola.
Wait a second that dude was caught in a fight..then why are his white shoes still looking clean.?..obviously they were given new hardware just before they staged..15:47. 😅 All their hardware looks brand new?
The Bible clearly states, "Africa belongs to the descendants of HAM" unto their generations forever. God gave this land called "Africa" to Black people. The Bible clearly states, "Europe" belongs to the descendants of "JAPHETH" unto their generations forever. God gave this land called"Europe" to White people. The Bible clearly states, "Asia" belongs to the descendants of "SHEM" unto their generations forever. God gave this land called "Asia" to Brown people.
Heh heh - yes indeed. A waste of time. Problem being that most of the South African participants had no choice. We were conscripted and sent there. The other problem was that we were fighting against the Russians and Cubans in Angola which gave credance to "our fight against communism". Final problem is that Zimbabwe (gone - I was there) and now South Africa is going down the toilet. So the party line turns out to be correct - "save your country" Remember that we were all around 20 years old. We did not understand "inevitability". Namibia only has around 1000 peope living there. It was never the prize 🙂
This is so important, so grateful the rest of the world can see these programs, was thrilled to see Al J Venters name again. He is a brilliant South African journalist.
I love watching this stuff. Makes me appreciate what my dad went through.
A good journalist who knew the reality of Africa.
Love Al J.
Had all his scuba diving books as a kid.
Legend!
Young people gave their lives for this country. Today, 2024, there is nothing to show what they fought for. Just sad!
There is a brotherhood...
We were there. We know what we have done and why. Nobody will ever take that away from us. Never.
It does seem this way, but the brotherhood is strong.
What I’m saying is that our country haa gone to pots in the last 30+ years.
I fought. We have something to show for it. A South Africa where you can speak your mind, and we have not been torn apart by civil war. That is not nothing.
Truly fascinating, I'm ashamed to say I knew little about this operation, thank you for uploading it
Damn...we were young
Kids
Indeed. I was looking at my old fotos the other day. I was 17 when I went in. I look at my 18 year old son (he was born when I was 43) and think how could he ever manage that??? No wonder my mother was so concerned.
@@PhansiKhongoloza Ja. If you think about it both sides were as hard as nails. Our "enemy" in many respects more so.
I was there 1981 82 did my official rank at infantry school Oudtshoorn did 7 months in Angola with 32 men under me came back with all of them ...
The truth about Africa still persists ... They will never learn just look at how the current regime have destroyed this country....
Forever grateful for your sacrifice. Born 1987.
TF are you grateful for?
@fabriciuslan for not living in a communistic hell hole we would have been in had it not been for these young men.
@antonschmidt1698 So that is why we occupied Namibia? You sure? 😄
@@fabriciuslan who is we?
@@antonschmidt1698 Me and all the others who fought in the war, why?
Great video and journalism
A very good documentary, Thank you.
So many memories - it’s been more than 42 years ago for me.
Excellent !
Not too many of us realised how important logistics was and how well we were supported while in battle.
We will never forget our heroes! No one was as strong as you! We will always ❤️ bless these memories ❤️
Don't worry we rule on the rugby field that's what really counts😂
They were forgotten 1990.day one after Mandela Released
They were forgotten 1990.day one after Mandela Released
Ah good memories. As an intelligence nco I was mostly office bound in Sec 20 HQ at Rundu. But I had the privilege to fly in a Puma to deliver food and vehicle Parts (for a buffel) somewhere east of Nkongo to the RM force team (Mbindi) of Lt Leon Viljoen (RIP)
If it wasn’t for us fighting that war. We would be living in a complete different country today. If we were taken before the fall of the soviet union , Nam.and SA.would be in a complete disaster as most other African countrys are !
Well we are now arent we....
It could have been worse yes. Communism is a Cancer.
It’s not well understood that this war had nothing at all to do with apartheid, and everything to do with keeping communist influence out. The present government might be more sympathetic to the other side’s cause, but they would have a difficult time coming to a different conclusion than the old government on involvement in Angola- since there would be no money to stuff in couches if the Cubans/ Russians got to Cape Town. Nobody realises that or thinks about it….this war was South Africa’s Ukraine.
Ja that's the story that we were told. I hope you are right. Although recent developments suggest that it will be a FU regardless?
@@leebrand2172 i keep living a positive outlook. I think our nation is slowly maturing to the point that they don’t favour the red baret / MKp route??
Bravo,well said.
Heh heh. You have to keep this story in context. Al Venter was our guy and there certainly is a pro SA stance - all sides engage in propaganda. I was in the SAAF at the time so I'm not gonna argue with what is said. The guys did a fantastic job - the job they were given. We may have changed the timing of majority rule in SA and that may have helped. I don't know. A lot of our kids died in this. Was it worth it? Again - I don't know. I hope it was.
Love his books
Bring back some memories
We need these soldiers in congo!
I speak under correction, but if I'm not mistaken these guys were 32 battalion which was founded by Col. Jan Breytenbach
Wow, I didnt realise it went on for 16 years (at that point). Damn
We we the best
The starting point of super war materiels !!
The choppers is called pumas attacks was called contacts.I was in charge of booby trap setups before contacts iniated by ourselves.We did not do firefights we only fired planning and recon was so good and practise in as we did not have the luxury of vehicles.
I like the dude's dagger (Open's can) at about 2.25 min was that homemade or a standard issue?
That was not standard issue, we used to open cans with the knife or fork from our standard issue eating utensils( Pikstel). They looked more like a normal knife, fork and spoon.
I suspect many of the guys were former Rhodesian security forces.
I have used them all sks,rpd,ak 47 r4,r5,fn,r1 and rpg some lesser known weopons as well.Was part of weopons development as well the drum type m79 the old snotneus.The lighter lmg the no 8 and drones.Use to operate only at night most of these fellows shown here went past us and they didnt even know we where there.Use to use the old drivers brille to operate at night.We eventually made better versions of them.
The Best of Times... The Worst of Times... Proud to say i did my bit...
2 different times of the bush war evidenced by R1 and R4 rifles, thanks .
At 32 BN they had a choice of weapon they wanted to use including the AK
The “ Heavy barrel FN “ was my favourite!
For sure the good guys in the conflicts 🎉
Well I suppose whose side u on😂😂
We only traveled in vehicles till the kaplyn from there it was on foot.Saw many of the so called special forces and they didnt even know we where there.
@@JohanLouw68 Really ?
Al, watch you back, and the rest.
32 battalion?
I did my national service was on the boarder did camps. During this time I complained and was sent to 2 mil. Left the army at the age of 21 I had my first op subsequently I have had approximately 50 ops. My problem is not the above but am cross that the so called terrorist are entitled to pensions and medical yet I am not. Why.
You were on the losing side. You will not get a cent. Neither will the rest of us. Accept. de-cross and get on with life 🙂
Ja die was die 32 ysters. Die ware spies van die oorlog. Ek sit my hoofdeksel op my hart vir die manne!
Unfortunately the winners write the history. It sucks.
Technically, the actual war ended in stalemate....
Ek stem saam met jou op die greens ge sit vir 18 Maande vir niks nie
Been there done that. 4sai Middelburg TVL tent dorp Bravo Co Peleton 10 Okalongo 5 months Ombalantu 5 months Ombalantu 3 months Vembe 1 month.
Contact one, July 18th 79' 5clicks out from Ombalantu.
Instead of bowing to international pressures and only support their neighbour in the shadows, South Africa should have thrown the full weight of SADF behind and in support of the Rhodesians during their war to save their country, and perhaps the terrorists might have been stopped before they had chance to heat things up for South Africa.. Everyone calls the Rhodesian and South African people racists but if you look at their two country's before the end of white government rule, and afterwards, and the rate of stolen land from white farmers, the brutal attacks and murders of white African people, you can clearly see that they weren't racists, they just knew who they were dealing and everything they feared would happen, has happened.. Successful African nations before 1980 and 1994 are dangerous cess pools of danger, rape and murder! But hey, as long as it's politically correct eh, that's all that matters.
You not wrong there
No other feelings like the hunting of man .
Thank you for leaving us a Bunch of Men full of trauma and PSTD. Most of our fathers never came back from that war, they left a part of themselves in that shit hole.
Pw fw roelfie Gerrit met julle kamerade eish😮😮😢
But we have a relatively calm Republic. It could have been worse.
Portuguese. Must be 32 battalion?
Uitstekend
84-86 SAAF POL TYD OM RIEME VAS TE MAAK
82 to 84
15:18 their boots and weapons look brand new...or is it just my thoughts 💭.
Our propaganda movie. Don't take it too literally. 🙂
@leebrand2172 true..didn't,had a feeling it was..but good anyway..for the time.
Was it all worth it? I don't know.
Best and worst days of my life. That's all I will say.
A year at Infantry School, a year at 5 SAI. Spent every Xmas , New Year and my birthday on the border for 7 years after my 2 years. What a complete waste of time defending the indefensible. Not proud of ever being there. Are we at war with SWAPO today, or is Namibia a peaceful country.
How were we to know? And it may have made a difference in fact. It delayed the inevitable. But I would find it hard to justify to my chinas who are dead 😞
Not true @jerome. It might not seem like it but there is a difference. Our painful politics aside we defended the nation & ALL its people from the threat of the day, which is why unlike the marxists we did not swear allegiance in defence of an ideology at all costs. That is why we were trained to defend the nation even if Govt changed.
Why? Contact me, need to understand and know. Texas Chris Newport
What do you need to know?
Adrenaline.
Stupid War
Brig is lying, he has little understanding of Africans😮
Poor journalism...one sided. Only showing injured and dead black soldiers from Angola. Only interviewing white soldiers. Not talking about the indoctrination of black soldiers from Angola to join SANDF. I'm not sure if any black soldier got any bravery medal or was it only white soldiers who were recognized? First time I hear a journalist say he is "happy to see the results"....of dead people. I should not refer to him as a journalist, as he clearly is not acting unbiased in this video. It is a good reminder of how the USA secretly asked, supported and funded the SA government at the time to fight this war as although sactions were in play at the time, the USA needed SA to fight as USSR supplied FAPLA with arms and armored vehicles via Cuba to Angola.
They didn't fight for all of us
Many had no choice - conscripted.
Really! How do you think South Africa would have looked like by now if the Soviet Union had taken over when this war started?
This is no SA special forces..... the recces don't work this way at all.
32 were more like light infantry
Wait a second that dude was caught in a fight..then why are his white shoes still looking clean.?..obviously they were given new hardware just before they staged..15:47. 😅
All their hardware looks brand new?
Costume department slip up !!
The didn’t wear helmets?
I was in Operation Savannah 1975/6. Never wore helmets.
@@sherwinschreiber3753 now that’s bad ass.
The swapo revolution won.
PLAN
SWAPO did not win. USA lost interest.
A senseless war as are all other wars. The people of Namibia wanted freedom. We had no right to be there. Waste of time, lives and resources b
The Bible clearly states, "Africa belongs to the descendants of HAM" unto their generations forever. God gave this land called "Africa" to Black people.
The Bible clearly states, "Europe" belongs to the descendants of "JAPHETH" unto their generations forever. God gave this land called"Europe" to White people.
The Bible clearly states, "Asia" belongs to the descendants of "SHEM" unto their generations forever. God gave this land called "Asia" to Brown people.
Heh heh - yes indeed. A waste of time. Problem being that most of the South African participants had no choice. We were conscripted and sent there. The other problem was that we were fighting against the Russians and Cubans in Angola which gave credance to "our fight against communism". Final problem is that Zimbabwe (gone - I was there) and now South Africa is going down the toilet. So the party line turns out to be correct - "save your country" Remember that we were all around 20 years old. We did not understand "inevitability". Namibia only has around 1000 peope living there. It was never the prize 🙂
@leebrand2172 You forget that Africa belongs to Black people. Whether it goes down the drain or not it's still their land.
My man what happened there probably a 3 hour epic war series😂