Modderfontein Commando
Modderfontein 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.
Modderfontein Commando | |
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![]() Modderfontein Industrial Commando emblem | |
Active | 1969- |
Country | ![]() |
Allegiance | |
Branch | |
Type | Infantry |
Role | Light Infantry |
Size | One Battalion |
Part of | South African Infantry Corps Army Territorial Reserve |
Garrison/HQ | Modderfontein, Johannesburg |
History
Origin
Modderfontein Commando was tasked with the protection of the countries biggest manufacturer of explosives.
With the SADF
The Modderfontein Dynamite Factory in 1969. Before that era the factory was protected by a unit of the National Volunteer Battalion that was made up of "keymen" and other volunteers. In 1946 the NVB units were stood down.
The commando was formed as an urban commando and then converted in early 1980 into an industrial commando with the task of protecting the complex at Modderfontein. Manpower for the commando was largely drawn from men working for AECI who had a military commitment.
The Commando was structured into a headquarters with four companies.
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
![](../I/SADF_era_Modderfontein_Industrial_Commando_insignia.jpg.webp)
References
- 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)
- "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
South African Commandos | |
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Group 1 (HQ Kelvin) | |
Group 2 (HQ Oudtshoorn) |
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Group 3 (collapsed into other groups) | |
Group 4 (collapsed into other groups) | |
Group 5 (collapsed into other groups) | |
Group 6 (HQ Port Elizabeth) | |
Group 7 (HQ Grahamstown) |
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Group 8 (HQ East London) | |
Group 9 (HQ Pietermaritzburg) |
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Group 10 (HQ Montclair, Durban) | |
Group 11 (HQ Dundee) | |
Group 12 (HQ Ermelo) | |
Group 13 (collapsed into other groups) | |
Group 14 (HQ Pietersburg) |
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Group 15 (HQ Thaba Tshwane) | |
Group 16 (HQ Marievale) |
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Group 17 (HQ Midvaal) | |
Group 18 (HQ Doornkop) | |
Group 19 (collapsed into other groups) | |
Group 20 (HQ Mmabatho) | |
Group 21 (collapsed into other groups) | |
Group 22 (HQ Diskobolos) | |
Group 23 (HQ Upington) |
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Group 24 (HQ Kroonstad) | |
Group 25 (HQ Bethlehem) | |
Group 26 (HQ, Jacobsdal) | |
Group 27 (HQ Eshowe) | |
Group 28 (collapsed into other groups) | |
Group 29 (collapsed into other groups) | |
Group 30 (HQ Potchefstroom) | |
Group 31 (HQ Wellington) | |
Group 32 (HQ Graaff-Reinet) | |
Group 33 (HQ Nelspruit) | |
Group 34 (HQ Welkom) | |
Group 35 (HQ Bloemfontein) | |
Group 36 (HQ Tempe/Ladybrand) |
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Group 39 (HQ Queenstown) | |
Group 40 (HQ Wingsfield) | |
Group 41 (HQ Primrose) | |
Group 42 (HQ Lenz) |
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Group 46 (HQ Umtata) |
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Walvis Bay Military Area | |
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Divisions and Brigades |
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Armoured Formation (SAAAF) |
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Infantry Formation (SAAIF) |
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Artillery Formation |
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Air Defence Artillery Formation |
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Engineer Formation |
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Training Formation |
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Support Formation |
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Signals Formation |
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Disbanded or Amalgamated Units |
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