South African National Defence Force Archive (SANDFA)

Date of tip: 30 October 2019

Source: Tom Vaughan (tov1@aber.ac.uk)

The procedures for accessing documents in this archive remain the same as described by Jamie Miller in 2011 - that is, somewhat long-winded and potentially frustrating. Having been informed by a colleague that they had declassified several relevant documents that I should look at, I was informed that even these would still need to go through the same PAIA process as everything else; so be prepared for a wait even if you think you know what you are looking for. Steve de Agrela is still the best person to contact and he is extremely friendly and helpful. I was not able to access any records due to visiting at the end of my trip and being pressed for time - for that reason, this archive should be one of the first you visit - but nonetheless it is clearly a detailed, useful archive.

Be aware that the archive has moved - I found this out to my detriment when I arrived at the offices at 20 Visagie Street in central Pretoria and they appeared distinctly closed. The new address details do not appear to be published anywhere particularly prominent and the address on Archival Platform is still the old one. After a few conversations with Steve I found out they have moved to a brand-new facility approximately 10 miles away in Centurion, which is a short drive down the highway towards OR Tambo airport. This happened around 2015 or 2016.

Contact person: Steve de Agrela

E-mail: archive@dod.mil.za

Tel: 012 670 8127

Address: 42 Saturnus Road, Irene, Centurion, 0062.