Wynberg Commando

Wynberg 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.

Wynberg Commando
Wynberg Commando emblem
Active	1962 - 1998
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	Wynberg
Motto(s)	Semper vigilans (Always watchful)

History

Origin

This unit was established around 1962.

Operations

With the SADF

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

In 1989, this commando was reclassified as an infantry battalion due to its size and scope.

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 Wynberg 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. Retrieved 5 March 2015.CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
2. "About the Commando system". Archived from the original on 6 December 2007. 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