Lt. Gen Wiseman Mbambo

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Lieutenant General Wiseman Simo Mbambo

Chief of the South African Air Force (SAAF) in the South African National Defence Force (SANDF)

Lieutenant General Wiseman Simo Mbambo was born on 15 March 1966, in Durban and raised in Northern KwaZulu-Natal, in the village of Louwsburg      (e-Ngoje). He attended high school in Durban, specifically at Phezulu High School in Hammersdale and Isibonelo High School in KwaMashu. Lieutenant General Mbambo is married to Mrs. Thokozani Mbambo, and they have four sons: Pontsho, Sibusiso, Musawenkosi, and Manqoba. He also has a daughter-in-law, Mrs. Mbali Mbambo, and a grandson, Jordan.

Military Career

Lieutenant General Wiseman Simo Mbambo has a background rooted in the National Liberation Movement, dating back to 1982. He has undergone extensive military training in various countries, including Angola, Yugoslavia, Russia, and the USA. As a seasoned mission controller, Lieutenant General Mbambo has held diverse operational and strategic positions within the South African Air Force and the South African National Defence Force, prior to his appointment as Chief of the Air Force, to mentioned but a few:

  • OC Long Range Mobile Radar Systems
  • OC Bushveld Aerospace Sector Control Centre
  • OC Air Force Base Waterkloof
  • SAAF Director Air Capability Plans
  • GOC SAAF Air Operations
  • Deputy Chief of Staff SANDF

Lieutenant General Mbambo has several academic qualifications, including a Bachelor of Military Science, a master’s degree in strategic security studies from Air University in Alabama, USA, and a Diploma in Aviation Safety Management Systems from the University of Southern California. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in business leadership (MBL) from the University of South Africa. Notably, Lieutenant General Mbambo has participated in various local and international military conferences, presenting his insights on diverse military topics, and has published articles in South African National Defence Force publications.

Decorations

  • External Operations
  • 30 Years of Good Service Medal
  •  Mandela Medal

Hobbies

  • Reading
  • Gold
  • Naturalist