© Photographs: by Defence Corporate Communication || SA Soldier.
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has announced the appointment of Lieutenant General Tembelani Tandekile Xundu as its new Chief of Staff, following a Change of Office Ceremony held in Pretoria on 31 July 2026. Prior to assuming his new responsibilities, Lieutenant General Xundu was promoted from the rank of Major General during a ceremony attended by senior military leaders and presided over by the Chief of the South African National Defence Force, General Rudzani Maphwanya.
Lieutenant General Xundu succeeds Lieutenant General Fhurani Michael Ramantswana, who previously served as Chief of Staff. Before his appointment, Xundu held the position of Chief of Military Policy, Strategy and Planning, where he played a key role in shaping the strategic direction of the SANDF and contributing to the development of defence policy.
Born on 29 March 1970 in Engcobo, Eastern Cape, Lieutenant General Xundu joined the Azanian People’s Liberation Army (APLA), the military wing of the Pan Africanist Congress, before integrating into the South African National Defence Force in 1994 with the rank of Major. Throughout his military career, he has remained a proud member of the South African Infantry Corps and has accumulated extensive operational, command and strategic planning experience.
His professional military education reflects a commitment to continuous development. Over the years, he has successfully completed a broad range of command and staff courses, including the Platoon Commanders Course, Company Commanders Course, All Arms Battle Handling Course, Junior Command and Staff Course, Joint Senior Command and Staff Programme, and the Executive National Security Programme, among several others.
Lieutenant General Xundu has served in numerous key leadership appointments across the SANDF. His previous positions include Company Commander at 14 South African Infantry Battalion, Staff Officer 1 Planning at the SA Army Inspector General, Senior Staff Officer, Director Planning, Chief Director: SA Army Corporate Services, and most recently Chief of Military Policy, Strategy and Planning. These appointments have provided him with extensive experience in operational planning, force development, strategic management and defence administration.
In addition to his distinguished military career, Lieutenant General Xundu is a strong advocate for education and professional development. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Administration, an Honours Degree in Administration, and a Master’s Degree, completed cum laude, through the University of South Africa (UNISA). He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at Stellenbosch University, further demonstrating his commitment to academic excellence and strategic leadership.
Lieutenant General Xundu also serves as Chairperson of the South African National Defence Force Education Trust Fund, supporting initiatives that promote education and professional growth within the armed forces. Throughout his career, he has contributed significantly to the drafting of strategic policy documents and to programmes aimed at strengthening the effectiveness and long-term development of the SANDF.
His appointment as Chief of Staff comes at a time when the South African National Defence Force continues to focus on organisational transformation, capability development and strategic readiness. With decades of operational, policy and leadership experience, Lieutenant General Xundu is expected to play a central role in supporting the Chief of the SANDF in implementing the force’s strategic objectives and ensuring the continued development of South Africa’s armed forces.
Article by Captain Letlhogonolo Mashego ||source
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