111 Battalion was a motorised infantry unit of the South African Army.

111 Battalion
111 Battalion emblem
Active1980–1994
Country South Africa
Branch South African Army
TypeMotorised infantry
Part ofSouth African Army Infantry Corps
Garrison/HQNew Amsterdam
Motto(s)Luec Doctrinae Light of Knowledge
EquipmentBuffel APC, Samil 20
Insignia
Company level insignia
SA Motorised Infantry beret bar circa 1992
SA Motorised Infantry beret bar

History

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Origin of the black battalions

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By the late 1970s the South African government had abandoned its opposition to arming black soldiers.[1]

In early 1979, the government also approved a plan to form a number of regional African battalions, each with a particular ethnic identity, which would either serve in their respective homelands or under regional SADF commands.

 
Location of the 100 Battalions in relation to their respective homelands

The Swazi Battalion

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This policy led to the formation of 111 Battalion for Swazis. 111 Battalion was raised in 1980 at Amsterdam, Mpumalanga on the Swaziland Border in the then Eastern Transvaal where a purpose built base was developed for it.[2]

Troops for 111 SA Battalion were recruited from the self-governing territory of KaNgwane, where the SADF itself maintained a base.[3]

Higher Command

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111 Battalion resorted under the command of Eastern Transvaal Command based in Nelspruit.

Operational Deployment

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The battalion was responsible for patrolling the border between Swaziland and South Africa.

Disbandment

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111 Battalion was disbanded around 1999.

Insignia

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The badge was designed to represent the head ring and plumes of the Swazi King upon crossed assegais.

 
SADF era 111 Battalion insignia

Leadership

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Notes

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Peled, A. A question of Loyalty Military Manpower Policy in Multiethinic States, Cornell University Press, 1998, ISBN 0-8014-3239-1 Chapter 2: South Africa: From Exclusion to Inclusion

References

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  1. ^ "Truth Commission - Special Report - TRC Final Report - Volume 2, Section 1, Chapter".
  2. ^ Nöthling, C. J.; Steyn, L. (1986). "The Role of Non-Whites in the South African Defence Force". Scientia Militaria: South African Journal of Military Studies. 16 (2): 47–54. doi:10.5787/16-2-457.
  3. ^ Matloa, Abbey Oupa (February 2015). The formation of the SANDF: Integration experiences of former Transkei, Bophuthatswana, Venda and Ciskei Defence Force Members (PDF) (Thesis). University of South Africa.