Rustenburg Commando

Rustenburg Commando
Rustenburg Commando emblem
Country  South Africa
Allegiance
Branch
Type Infantry
Role Light Infantry
Size One Battalion
Part of South African Infantry Corps
Army Territorial Reserve, Group 19
Garrison/HQ Rustenburg
Motto(s) Ex populo pro popula (Out of the people for the people)

Rustenburg 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

Members of the Rustenburg served in the Anglo Boer War at Kimberley, Mafekeng, Kraaipan, Vaalkrans and Pieters Hill.

1914 Rebellion

During the rebellion, members served on both the side of the government and the insurrection.

World War 1

Commando members served in German South West Africa.

Colours

The unit received its colours on 20th August 1982 from the then vice State President, Mr A.L. Schlebush.

These colours were eventually laid up at the museum at Infantry School in Oudtshoorn in 2007.

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

Leadership

Leadership
From Honorary Colonels To
From Commanding Officers To
From Regimental Sergeants Major To
  • 2007 Lt Col Gerhard Malan

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 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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