Klein Karoo Commando

Klein Karoo Commando
Klein Karoo Commando
	Klein Karoo Commando emblem
Active	1976 (48 years ago)–1997 (27 years ago)
Disbanded	February 14, 2003 (21 years ago)
Country	South Africa
Allegiance	Republic of South Africa; Republic of South Africa;
Branch	South African Army; South African Army;
Type	Infantry
Role	Light Infantry
Size	One Battalion
Part of	South African Infantry Corps; Army Territorial Reserve
Garrison/HQ	Uniondale, Western Cape Willowmore

Klein Karoo 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

With the SADF

Uniondale Commando amalgamated with Willowmore Commando around 1976 to form Klein Karoo Commando.

With the SANDF

Further amalgamation

In 1997, the unit amalgamated with Oudtshoorn Commando keeping the name Klein Karoo. Towns under this command now included Joubertina, Uniondale, Willowmore and Steylerville.

Operations

This unit was primarily used for area force protection and stock theft control assistance to the local police.

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 Officer	To
From	Regimental Sergeant Major	To

References

^ 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.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
^ "About the Commando system". Archived from the original on 6 December 2007. Retrieved 17 January 2008.
^ de Lange, Deon. "South Africa: Commandos Were 'Hostile to New SA'". Cape Argus. Retrieved 5 March 2015.