Niel Barnard
Niel Barnard | |
|---|---|
| Born | Lukas Daniel Barnard 14 June 1949 Otjiwarongo, South West Africa (now Namibia) |
| Died | 13 January 2025 (aged 75) Gansbaai, Western Cape, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| Alma mater | University of the Orange Free State |
| Occupations |
|
| Spouse | Engela Brand |
| Children | Two |
| Espionage activity | |
| Allegiance | Republic of South Africa |
| Service branch | National Intelligence Service |
| Service years | 1979–1992 |
| Rank | Director-General |
Lukas Daniel Barnard (14 June 1949 – 13 January 2025), known as Niel Barnard, was a South African academic and intelligence chief who was the head of South Africa's National Intelligence Service from 1979 until 1992 and was notable for his behind-the-scenes role in preparing Nelson Mandela and South African presidents P. W. Botha and F. W. de Klerk for Mandela's eventual release from prison and rise to political power.