Outeniekwa 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.

Outeniekwa Commando
Outeniekwa Commando emblem
DisbandedFebruary 14, 2003; 21 years ago (2003-02-14)
Country South Africa
Allegiance
Branch
TypeInfantry
RoleLight Infantry
SizeOne Battalion
Part ofSouth African Infantry Corps
Army Territorial Reserve
Garrison/HQGeorge, Western Cape

History

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Origin

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Operations

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With the SADF

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During this era, the unit was mainly used for area force protection, search and cordones as well as stock theft control assistance to the local police.

This unit resorted under the command of Group 4.

With the SANDF

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Amalgamated
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By 1997, Outeniqua Commando was amalgamated with Knysna Commando to become the Garden Route Commando.

Disbandment
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This amalgamated 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

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SADF era Outeniqua Commando insignia

Leadership

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References

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  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". Retrieved 17 January 2008.
  3. ^ de Lange, Deon. "South Africa: Commandos Were 'Hostile to New SA'". Cape Argus. Retrieved 5 March 2015.

See also

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