Modderfontein Commando

Modderfontein Commando
Modderfontein Industrial Commando emblem
Active 1969-
Country  South Africa
Allegiance
Branch
Type Infantry
Role Light Infantry
Size One Battalion
Part of South African Infantry Corps
Army Territorial Reserve
Garrison/HQ Modderfontein, Johannesburg

Modderfontein 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

Modderfontein Commando was tasked with the protection of the countries biggest manufacturer of explosives, the Modderfontein Dynamite Factory in 1969. Before that era the factory was protected by a unit of the National Volunteer Battalion that was made up of "keymen" and other volunteers. In 1946 the NVB units were stood down.

The commando was formed as an urban commando and then converted in early 1980 into an industrial commando with the task of protecting the complex at Modderfontein. Manpower for the commando was largely drawn from men working for AECI who had a military commitment.

The Commando was structured into a headquarters with four companies.

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

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". Retrieved 17 January 2008.
  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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