Mike Louw
Mike Louw | |
|---|---|
| Born | Michael James Minaar Louw 9 November 1939 |
| Died | 27 December 2009 (aged 70) Middelburg, Eastern Cape |
| Nationality | South African |
| Occupation | Intelligence Service Head |
| Espionage activity | |
| Allegiance | Republic of South Africa |
| Service branch | South African Secret Service |
| Service years | 1995-1997 |
| Rank | Director-General |
| Codename | Michael James |
| Codename | Mike Hicks |
Michael James Minaar Louw (9 November 1939 – 27 December 2009) was Director-General of the South African National Intelligence Service (NIS), and after the 1994 South African elections, was appointed as head of the new South African Secret Service. He played a key role as a representative of the South African government in the secret negotiations held between them and the ANC in exile which brought about the unbanning of the latter in 1990 and the release of Nelson Mandela.