Meyerton Commando

Meyerton Commando
Meyerton Commando emblem
Active 1971-
Country  South Africa
Allegiance
Branch
Type Infantry
Role Light Infantry
Size One Battalion
Part of South African Infantry Corps
Army Territorial Reserve, Group 17
Garrison/HQ Meyerton

Meyerton 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 unit has been known as the Meyerton Commando since the 1st January 1971. Before that it was known as the De Deur Commando.

During the retirement function of Commandant Dirk Burger in May 1975, a revue parade was held in Meyerton.

The old school building of Laerskool Voorwaarts was used as its headquarters from 1982.

Freedom of Entry

The unit received its Freedom of Entry to Meyerton on the 10th April 1984.

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

Meyerton Commando insignia

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.
  2. ↑ "About the Commando system". Archived from the original on 2007-12-06. Retrieved 2008-01-17.
  3. ↑ de Lange, Deon. "South Africa: Commandos Were 'Hostile to New SA'". Cape Argus. Retrieved 5 March 2015. (Subscription required (help)).

See also


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