Rustenburg Commando

Rustenburg Commando
Rustenburg Commando emblem
Country	South Africa
Allegiance	Zuid Afrikaanse Republic Union of South Africa 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, Group 19
Garrison/HQ	Rustenburg
Motto(s)	Ex populo pro popula (Out of the people for the people)

Rustenburg 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

This commando was mustered in the Anglo Boer War Period.

Operations

With the Zuid Afrikaanse Republiek

Anglo Boer War

This Commando engaged in operations served at:

• Kimberley,
• Siege of Mafeking,
• Bechuanaland destroying a railway line,
• Kraaipan,
• Vaalkrans and
• Pieters Hill.

With the UDF

By 1902 all Commando remnants were under British military control and disarmed.

By 1912, however previous Commando members could join shooting associations.

By 1940, such commandos were under control of the National Reserve of Volunteers.

These commandos were formally reactivated by 1948.

UDF era National Reserve of Volunteers shoulder tab

1914 Rebellion

During the Maritz Rebellion, members served on both the side of the government and the insurrection.

World War 1

Commando members served in German South West Africa.

With the SADF

During this era, the unit was mainly involved in area force protection, cordones and search operations assisting the local police and stock theft control.

The unit resorted under the command of Group 19.

Colours

The unit received its colours on 20 August 1982 from the then vice State President, Mr A.L. Schlebush.

These colours were eventually laid up at the museum at Infantry School in Oudtshoorn in 2007.

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. 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.

Unit Insignia

SADF era Rustenburg Commando insignia

Leadership

Leadership

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

• Commandant P.S. Steenkamp 1900
• Lt Col Gerhard Malan 2005

See also

• South African Commando System