I was born that year, my dad was away "to the border" to fight in that war. Fortunately, as far as I know, his unit never saw direct conflict. Even years later, my dad had his R1 rifle and combat fatigues ready in his closet waiting for his next call up, I remember being a small boy and noting the "big gun" in there.
Fortunately, the only call he got was his turn out parade and he gave his equipment back to the SANDF.