Springbok Commando

Last updated

Springbok Commando
SADF era Springbok Commando emblem.jpg
Springbok Commando emblem.
DisbandedFebruary 14, 2003;22 years ago (2003-02-14)
CountryFlag of South Africa.svg  South Africa
Allegiance
Branch
Type Infantry
RoleLight Infantry
SizeOne Battalion
Part of South African Infantry Corps
Army Territorial Reserve
Garrison/HQ Springbok, South Africa

Springbok Commando was a light infantry regiment of the South African Army. It formed part of the South African Army Infantry Formation as well as the South African Territorial Reserve.

Contents

History

Origin

Operations

With the SADF

During this era, the unit was mainly used for area force protection, search and cordons as well as stock theft control assistance to the local police.

With the SANDF

Disbandment

This unit, along with all other Commando units was disbanded after a decision by South African President Thabo Mbeki to disband all Commando Units. [1] [2] The Commando system was phased out between 2003 and 2008 "because of the role it played in the apartheid era", according to the Minister of Safety and Security Charles Nqakula. [3]

Unit Insignia

SADF era Springbok Commando insignia SADF era Springbok Commando insignia.jpg
SADF era Springbok Commando insignia

Leadership

Leadership
FromHonorary ColonelsTo
FromCommanding OfficersTo
FromRegimental Sergeants MajorTo

References

  1. Col L B van Stade, Senior Staff Officer Rationalisation, SANDF (1997). "Rationalisation in the SANDF: The Next Challenge". Institute for Security Studies. Archived from the original on 16 March 2016. Retrieved 5 March 2015.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  2. "About the Commando system" . Retrieved 17 January 2008.
  3. de Lange, Deon. "South Africa: Commandos Were 'Hostile to New SA'" . Cape Argus. Retrieved 5 March 2015.

See also