The South African Border War, which lasted from 1966 to 1989, resulted in the deaths of a significant number of soldiers. Estimates suggest that approximately 1,000 South African soldiers lost their lives during the conflict. In addition, thousands of soldiers from other nations, including Angolan and Cuban forces, also died in the course of the war.
This conflict involved various guerilla warfare tactics and skirmishes, primarily between South African forces and the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN) as well as Cuban troops supporting Angola. The war had lasting impacts on the region, prompting significant political changes and contributing to the eventual end of apartheid in South Africa.
Understanding the loss of life in this war not only sheds light on the conflict itself but also highlights the broader humanitarian cost of warfare in Southern Africa during this tumultuous period.