West Park Commando
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| West Park Commando | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1962–1969 |
| Country |  South Africa |
| Allegiance | |
| Branch | |
| Type | Infantry |
| Role | Light Infantry |
| Size | One Battalion |
| Part of | South African Infantry Corps Army Territorial Reserve |
| Garrison/HQ | West Park |
West Park 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[edit]
Origin[edit]
The Sandton Commando was founded in 1962 as the West Park Commando, one of four English speaking groups in the Johannesburg Area to be formed at that time. It was renamed the Sandton Commando in 1969 with the establishment and naming of the new suburb. From 1976 the Commando volunteered and served with other operational units to combat terrorism.
Disbandment[edit]
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]
Leadership[edit]
| From | Honorary Colonels | To |
| From | Commanding Officers | To |
| From | Regimental Sergeants Major | To |
References[edit]
- ^ 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.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ "About the Commando system". Retrieved 17 January 2008.
- ^ de Lange, Deon. "South Africa: Commandos Were 'Hostile to New SA'". Cape Argus. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
See also[edit]
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