Tugela Commando Explained

Unit Name:	Tugela Commando
Allegiance:	South Africa South Africa
Branch:
Type:	Infantry
Role:	Light Infantry
Size:	One Battalion
Command Structure:	South African Infantry Corps Army Territorial Reserve
Garrison:	Tugela

Tugela 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 SADF

During this era, the unit was mainly engaged in area force protection, search and cordons as well as stock theft control assistance to the rural police.

This unit was responsible for the defence of the Umpumulo, Lower Tugela, Mtunzini, Eshowe, Mtonjaneni and Mahlabathini districts.

By 1974 the unit consisted of 24 officer, 316 other ranks and 147 national servicemen.

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

• South African Commando System

Notes and References

1. Web site: Rationalisation in the SANDF: The Next Challenge . 5 March 2015 . 1997 . Col L B . van Stade. Senior Staff Officer Rationalisation, SANDF . 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.
3. Web site: de Lange. Deon. South Africa: Commandos Were 'Hostile to New SA'. Cape Argus. 5 March 2015. subscription .