Edenvale Commando

Edenvale 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.

Edenvale Commando / Regiment
SADF Edenvale Commando and Regiment emblems
DisbandedFebruary 14, 2003 (2003-02-14)
Country South Africa
Allegiance
Branch
TypeInfantry
RoleLight Infantry
SizeOne Battalion
Part ofSouth African Infantry Corps
Army Territorial Reserve
Garrison/HQEdenvale, Gauteng

History

Origin

With the SADF

During this era, the unit was mainly engaged in area force protection, search and cordones as well as other assistance to the local police.

The unit resorted under the command of Group 41.

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]

By 2013, the derelict Rietfontein Commando base had fallen into a state of decay, raising many concerns by local residents and business owners. Also known as the Edenvale Commando/Barracks, the building, together with the current Sebenza Police Station, used to house a wing of the South African Defence Force. A report requested the municipality for permission to demolish the building and sell the land by public tender.[4]

Leadership

Leadership
From Honorary Colonels To
From Commanding Officers To
From Regimental Sergeants Major To

Insignia

Dress Insignia

SADF era Edenvale Commando / Regiment 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.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  2. "About the Commando system". Archived from the original on 6 December 2007. Retrieved 17 January 2008.
  3. de Lange, Deon. "South Africa: Commandos Were 'Hostile to New SA'". Cape Argus. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
  4. "Commando barracks to be sold - Bedfordview Edenvale News". bedfordviewedenvalenews.co.za. 10 December 2013.

See also


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