[2] The South African government was obliged by the arms embargo to finance the creation of a new private sector enterprise, the Olifant Manufacturing Company (OMC), to refurbish the Centurions.

[3] During Operation Askari South African forces clashed with FAPLA T-54/55 tanks in late 1983 and early 1984; however, due to the respective logistical commitment the Olifants were not deployed.

[3] At length the South African mechanised infantry, bolstered by Eland and Ratel-90 armoured car squadrons, succeeded in destroying the Angolan tanks on their own.

[4] The launch of Operation Moduler, following the collapse of the Lusaka Accords in late 1987, led to the Olifant squadron being activated on the direct orders of President P.W.

[6] Throughout the operation, South African forces typically dispersed into an "arrowhead" formation, with Olifants in the lead, Ratel-90 armoured cars on the flanks, and the remainder of the mechanised infantry to the rear and centre.

[7] Three Olifants were abandoned in a minefield during Operation Packer from March to April 1988; one was retrieved by the Cubans and taken to the town of Cuito Cuanavale[8]: 338  and the other two remain to this day in the Angolan bush.

[10] A number of others suffered varying degrees of track and suspension damage due to mines or Angolan tank fire, but were able to keep moving after field repairs.

Louw indicates that Lt. Gen. Kat Liebenberg, Chief of the Army, present at Fouche's HQ, countermanded an order to destroy the abandoned Oliphants, assuming they could be recovered later.