Sequel to Long Walk to Freedom - Revision 1 - Chapter 8 Page 1

The South African Police Service A few weeks before the general election of 1994, and accompanied by Alfred Nzo and Joe Nhlanhla, who later became Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Intelligence respectively, I had a discussion with General George Meiring, Chief of the South African Defence Force, and thereafter with General Johan van der Merwe, National Commissioner of the South African Police, later known as SAPS. I asked each one whether he would serve under an ANC government if we won the election. General Meiring assured us without hesitation that he would serve the new government loyally and provide it with adequate security, an undertaking which he tried to the best of his ability to honour. General Meiring's failure to resist pressure from Military Intelligence to discredit his obvious successor, General Siphiwe Nyanda, and other top black army officers tended to tarnish his otherwise clean image. The discussion with General van der Merwe was not that easy. He was accompanied by General Basie Smit, the second in seniority, and by General Johan Swart, former Commissioner of Soweto. General van der Merwe informed us that he would be retiring soon, and intended to hand over command to Basie Smit. I pointed out that I was interested in him only, that if he would not be available I would then appoint a successor of my own choice. It was under those circumstances that George Fivaz became the new National Commissioner. Mr Sydney Mufamadi became the Minister of Safety and Security. 1