Brandfort Commando Explained

Unit Name:Brandfort Commando
Allegiance:
Branch:
    Type:Infantry
    Role:Light Infantry
    Size:One Battalion
    Command Structure:South African Infantry Corps
    Army Territorial Reserve, Group 35
    Garrison:Brandfort

    Brandfort 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

    Operations

    With the Orange Free State Republic

    This commando was mustered in the early parts of the Anglo Boer War. Some of its engagements include:

    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.

    With the SADF

    During this era, the commando was mainly tasked with area force protection, search and cordons and stock theft control assistance to the local police.

    The unit resorted under the command of Group 35.

    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]

    See also

    Notes and References

    1. Web site: Rationalisation in the SANDF: The Next Challenge . 5 March 2015 . 1997 . Col L B van Stade . Institute for Security Studies . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20160316204323/https://issafrica.org/pubs/asr/6no2/vanstade.html . 16 March 2016 .
    2. Web site: About the Commando system . 2008-01-17 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20071206150052/http://www.saps.gov.za/statistics/reports/rural_safety/eng/pages/no2e.htm . 2007-12-06 .
    3. Web site: de Lange. Deon. South Africa: Commandos Were 'Hostile to New SA'. Cape Argus. 5 March 2015. subscription .