Rear Admiral Bubele Kitie Mhlana, born in 1972 in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, is a distinguished leader in the South African Navy. He began his military journey in 1994 as part of the first group of former UMKhonto Wesizwe operatives to join the Navy. Rapidly advancing, R Adm Mhlana became the first African to command a South African Navy warship, SAS KAPA, in 2003. His leadership has spanned key roles, including commanding the SAS ISANDLWANA and SAS MENDI, as well as leading joint international exercises with NATO and other global forces. A graduate of the prestigious U.S. Navy War College, R Adm Mhlana's career is marked by numerous accolades, including the Unitas Medal, Good Service Medals (10, 20, and 30 years), and the Brazilian Almirante Tamandaré Medal of Merit. He also served as the Chief of Staff at the Joint Operations Division from 2020 to 2023. A position he held with distinction. In January 2023, he was appointed as the Deputy Chief of the South African Navy, where continues to shape the future of maritime operations in the region. Adm Mhlana is married with five children and is widely respected for his strategic vision and international contributions to naval defence.