Brandfort Commando

Brandfort 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

Operations

With the Orange Free State Republic

This commando was mustered in the early parts of the Anglo Boer War. Some of its engagements include:

The Battle of Karee, 29 March 1900.
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.

With the SADF

During this era, the commando was mainly tasked with area force protection, search and cordons and stock theft control assistance to the local police.
The unit resorted under the command of Group 35.

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.