Rustenburg Commando
Rustenburg Commando emblem
Country South Africa
Allegiance
Branch
TypeInfantry
RoleLight Infantry
SizeOne Battalion
Part ofSouth African Infantry Corps
Army Territorial Reserve, Group 19
Garrison/HQRustenburg
Motto(s)Ex populo pro popula (Out of the people for the people)

Rustenburg 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

This commando was mustered in the Anglo Boer War Period.

Operations

With the Zuid Afrikaanse Republiek

Anglo Boer War

This Commando engaged in operations served at:

With the UDF

By 1902 all Commando remnants were under British military control and disarmed.

By 1912, however previous Commando members could join shooting associations.

By 1940, such commandos were under control of the National Reserve of Volunteers.

These commandos were formally reactivated by 1948.

UDF era National Reserve of Volunteers shoulder tab
1914 Rebellion

During the Maritz Rebellion, members served on both the side of the government and the insurrection.

World War 1

Commando members served in German South West Africa.

With the SADF

During this era, the unit was mainly involved in area force protection, cordones and search operations assisting the local police and stock theft control.

The unit resorted under the command of Group 19.

Colours

The unit received its colours on 20 August 1982 from the then vice State President, Mr A.L. Schlebush.

These colours were eventually laid up at the museum at Infantry School in Oudtshoorn in 2007.

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 Rustenburg Commando insignia
SADF era Rustenburg Commando insignia

Leadership

Leadership
From Honorary Colonels To
From Commanding Officers To
From Regimental Sergeants 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". Retrieved 17 January 2008.
  3. ^ de Lange, Deon. "South Africa: Commandos Were 'Hostile to New SA'". Cape Argus. Retrieved 5 March 2015.

See also


Categories