Renier Coetzee

Brigadier-General Renier Johannes (Doibi) Coetzee SM PS MMM is a General Officer in the South African Army.

Gen Coetzee served in 32 Battalion and then in the South African Special Forces, for a long time as the Chief of Staff of the South African Special Forces Brigade. He commanded 5 Special Forces Regiment (formerly 5 Reconnaissance Unit) at one stage, and served in the Mavinga area during Operations Moduler, Packer and Hooper. From mid-1987 to mid-1988, he was stationed at divisional headquarters, north-west of Mavinga in Angola. He was promoted to Brigadier General in 2014.

Col Coetzee was embroiled in a controversy about the use of body armour (bullet proof vests) by SANDF soldiers in the Central African Republic during the Battle of Bangui. He has spoken as an expert on the utilisation of the SANDF Special Forces as a force multiplier in the SADC region.

Medals

Gen Coetzee has been awarded:

• iPhrothiya yeSiliva (PS) (Silver Protea)

• Southern Cross Medal (SM)

• Military Merit Medal (MMM)

• Pro Patria Medal

• Southern Africa Medal

• General Service Medal

• Unitas Medal

• Good Service Medal, Gold (30 Years)

• Good Service Medal, Silver (20 Years)

• Good Service Medal, Bronze (10 Years)

Proficiency and qualification badges

Gen Coetzee qualified for the following:

• Qualification: Special Forces Operator Badge

• Parachute Wings (South Africa) (Advanced, Freefall)