Klein Karoo Commando

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Klein Karoo Commando
Klein Karoo Commando emblem
Active1976 (48 years ago) (1976)–1997 (27 years ago) (1997)
DisbandedFebruary 14, 2003 (21 years ago) (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[edit]

Origin[edit]

With the SADF[edit]

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

With the SANDF[edit]

Further amalgamation[edit]

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[edit]

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

Disbandment[edit]

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[edit]

SADF era Klein Karoo Commando insignia
SADF era Klein Karoo Commando insignia

Leadership[edit]

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

References[edit]

  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[edit]