Klein Karoo Commando
Klein Karoo Commando emblem
Active1976 (1976)–1997 (1997)
DisbandedFebruary 14, 2003 (2003-02-14)
Country South Africa
Allegiance
Branch
TypeInfantry
RoleLight Infantry
SizeOne Battalion
Part ofSouth African Infantry Corps
Army Territorial Reserve
Garrison/HQUniondale, Western Cape Willowmore

Klein Karoo 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.

History

Origin

With the SADF

Uniondale Commando amalgamated with Willowmore Commando around 1976 to form Klein Karoo Commando.

With the SANDF

Further amalgamation

In 1997, the unit amalgamated with Oudtshoorn Commando keeping the name Klein Karoo. Towns under this command now included Joubertina, Uniondale, Willowmore and Steylerville.

Operations

This unit was primarily used for area force protection and stock theft control assistance to the local police.

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 Klein Karoo Commando insignia
SADF era Klein Karoo Commando insignia

Leadership

Leadership
From Honorary Colonels To
From Commanding Officer To
From Regimental Sergeant Major To

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". Archived from the original on 6 December 2007. Retrieved 17 January 2008.
  3. ↑ de Lange, Deon. "South Africa: Commandos Were 'Hostile to New SA'". Cape Argus. Retrieved 5 March 2015.

See also


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