Tugela Commando

Tugela Commando
Tugela Commando emblem
Disbanded	February 14, 2003 (21 years ago) (2003-02-14)
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	Tugela

Tugela 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

Operations

With the SADF

During this era, the unit was mainly engaged in area force protection, search and cordons as well as stock theft control assistance to the rural police.

This unit was responsible for the defence of the Umpumulo, Lower Tugela, Mtunzini, Eshowe, Mtonjaneni and Mahlabathini districts.

By 1974 the unit consisted of 24 officer, 316 other ranks and 147 national servicemen.

With the SANDF

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

SADF era Tugela Commando insignia

Leadership

Leadership

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

References

1. van Stade, Col L B (1997). "Rationalisation in the SANDF: The Next Challenge". Senior Staff Officer Rationalisation, SANDF. 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.

See also

• South African Commando System