Theunissen Commando

Theunissen 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.

Theunissen Commando
Theunissen Commando emblem
Country	South Africa
Allegiance	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 34
Garrison/HQ	Theunissen

History

Origin

With the UDF

With the SADF

During this era, the commando was mainly used for rural area force protection as well as cordones and search operations, and assisting the local police in stock theft control.

The unit resorted under Group 34 at that stage.

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 Theunissen Commando insignia

Leadership

Leadership

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

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.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

• South African Commando System