Magnus Malan

South African army general and Cabinet minister (1930-2011)

Fame47.8
Momentum0.5
South Africa rank#234

Source-basedStable

Fame47.8
Momentum0.5
South Africa rank#234
Wikipedia2K

Lived 1930–2011, aged 81South Africa

South Africa PoliticiansPolitician

Wikipedia
11 languages
Cross-language footprint
Rank in South Africa
#234
Politicians
Era
1930–2011
Aged 81

Summary

Updated 2026-06-22

General Magnus André de Mérindol Malan was a South African military figure and politician during the last years of apartheid in South Africa. He served as Minister of Defence in the cabinet of President P. W. Botha, Chief of the South African Defence Force (SADF), and Chief of the South African Army. Rising quickly through the lower ranks, he was appointed to strategic command positions. His tenure as chief of the defence force saw it increase in size, efficiency and capabilities.