Abstract
M.A.
The South African government's intransigence to bring about political changes in
Namibia had far reaching consequences. The South West Africa Peoples Organization
(SWAPO) was formed in Namibia to challenge the repressive measures advocated by the
South African government in Namibia. The passive resistance met a deaf ear on the side
of the South African government, and this coerced SWAPO to adopt a militant nature of
resistance. SWAPO realized that a militant resistance can only be effective with the
establishment of a guerilla network. As a result of that The Peoples Liberation Army of
Namibia (PLAN) was formed.
PLAN became a well-organized guerilla network. PLAN set up its own rules and
regulations although being supervised by its mother organization SWAPO.
PLAN guerillas were recruited in Namibia and went for military training in countries
such as Tanzania, Egypt, etc. PLAN guerillas were furnished with effective military
tactics, which they had to use against the South African Defence Force in Namibia.
Women also participated in any PLAN department.
PLAN was well supported by part of the Namibian community and also enjoyed the
backing of some African countries such as Botswana, Zambia, Angola and Egypt. PLAN
also enjoyed the support of international organisations such as the OAU and the UN. Most of PLAN guerillas infiltrated Namibian from Angolan soil. This coerced the South
African Defence Force to attack PLAN on Angolan soil. Various battles were fought
between PLAN and the South African Defence Force. Although PLAN claimed to be
innocent from any atrocities, most of its activities were characterized by terrorist natures,
e.g. abduction, looting, etc. The South African Defence Force was also involved in
human rights violations.