Modderfontein Commando
The Modderfontein Commando was a light infantry unit of the South African Army. It formed part of the South African Army Infantry Formation as well as the South African Territorial Reserve under the Commando System. It was phased out in 2003-2008 along with the rest of the commando system due to its role in Apartheid.
| Modderfontein Commando | |
|---|---|
 Modderfontein Industrial Commando emblem | |
| Founded | 1969 |
| Disbanded | 14 February 2003 |
| 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 |
The Modderfontein Commando was a light infantry unit of the South African Army. It formed part of the South African Army Infantry Formation as well as the South African Territorial Reserve under the Commando System.
It was phased out in 2003-2008 along with the rest of the commando system due to its role in Apartheid.
History
[edit]Origin
[edit]The Modderfontein Commando was tasked with the protection of the Modderfontein Dynamite Factory, South Africa's biggest manufacturer of explosives.[citation needed]
Operations
[edit]Within the South African Defence Force (SADF)
[edit]In 1969, the Modderfontein Dynamite Factory was placed under the protection of the Republic Defence Force (SADF).[clarification needed] Before then, the factory was protected by a unit of the National Volunteer Battalion (NVB) that was made up of "keymen" and other volunteers. In 1946 the NVB units were retired.
The Modderfontein Commando was initially formed as an urban commando unit but was restructured in the early 1980s into an industrial commando unit tasked with protecting the complex at Modderfontein. Specialized personnel allocated to the commando was largely drawn from men working for AECI who had a military commitment.[citation needed]
The Commando was structured into a headquarter with four companies.[citation needed]
Within the South African National Defence Force (SANDF)
[edit]Disbandment
[edit]This unit, along with all other Commando units, were disbanded after a decision by South African President Thabo Mbeki.[1][2] According to the Minister of Safety and Security, Charles Nqakula,[3] the Commando system was phased out between 2003 and 2008 "because of the role it played in the apartheid era."
Unit Insignia
[edit]
References
[edit]- ^ van Stade, Col L B; 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.
- ^ "About the Commando system". Retrieved 17 January 2008.
- ^ de Lange, Deon. "South Africa: Commandos Were 'Hostile to New SA'". Cape Argus. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
See also
[edit]
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