Nelson Mandela Regiment
The Nelson Mandela Regiment is a reserve infantry regiment of the South African Army.
History
Under the Union Defence Force
World War 2 Mobilisation
The regiment was founded on 1 February 1940 as a citizen force infantry unit and named the Regiment Piet Retief, with the main purpose to supply troops for the Second World War. On 16 March 1940, the regiment was reorganized as an artillery unit renamed the 5th Field Regiment, South African Artillery taking part in the Second World War as such.Post World War
After the Second World War, the 5th Field became virtually non existent, however some years later the remnants of the regiment was renamed to Regiment Algoa Bay, of which its Uitenhage company became known as Regiment Uitenhage at a later stage.Rebirth of Regiment Piet Retief
On 1 January 1954, Regiment Piet Retief was re-established as a predominantly Afrikaans speaking motorized infantry citizen force regiment with its headquarters in Graaff-Reinet. In 1956 the HQ moved to Cradock and in 1962 it moved to the Drill Hall in Queenstown. During 1987 the HQ moved to Port Elizabeth, where it is still based.Under the SADF
Numerous Name changes
In 1960 the regiment's name was changed to Regiment Transkei, but by 1966, this was changed to Regiment Noordoos-Kaap and by 1 April 1967 the name was again changed back to Regiment Piet Retief.Colours
On 22 November 1969, the regiment received its Regimental Colours and changed its role to that of an infantry CO.IN unit.On 19 May 1990 the unit received its National Colour, which was laid up at the Group 39 chapel in Queenstown in 1995.
Under the SANDF
Command
On 11 November 1994, the regiment was placed under command of Group 39 in Queenstown, after being under command of Group 6 in Port Elizabeth for a number of years.On 1 April 1997 the regiment was again placed under command of Group 6, after the closure of Group 39.
Amalgamation
During the latter part of 2000, Regiment Algoa Bay, Regiment Uitenhage and Donkin Regiment were amalgamated with Regiment Piet Retief. A new command team was appointed by the Infantry Formation. Regiment Piet Retief was then placed directly under command of the Infantry Formation.Name change
In August 2019, 52 Reserve Force units had their names changed to reflect the diverse military history of South Africa. Regiment Piet Retief became the Nelson Mandela Regiment, and have 3 years to design and implement new regimental insignia.Current Command
- Honorary Colonel: To be appointed
- Officer Commanding: Lt Col T.T. Ndengane
- Second in Command: Maj V.N. Tukulu
- RSM: MWO V. Njozela
Leadership
Regimental emblems
Badge
The regiments emblem depicts an Aloe in bloom with the motto "AD MORTEM" on the scroll beneath it. Ferox is a Latin adjective meaning brave, courageous and combative, which is a fitting to an aloe, due to the difficult circumstances under which it normally has to grow and fitting to true infantrymen, due to the difficult circumstances under which they sometimes have to operate.Dress
The Regiment's leader group used to wear their infantry lanyards around the right shoulder with dress number 1 and 4, because of the Regiments historical connection with the artillery, namely the 5th Field Regiment. The current leadership felt its necessary to align itself with the current dress code and regulations and changed the lanyard to the left as the rest of the Infantry Formation.The Regiment has its own unique mess dress with an orange jacket, depicting the colour of the flowers of its emblem, as well as the regiment's strong roots in the Eastern Cape, where orange is a traditional colour used widely by many of the Xhosa tribes.
The regiment also has its own blue blazer, and matching tie, with an aloe in full colour on the blazer pocket badge for all unit members. A black blazer, with a silver wire aloe emblem on the pocket badge, and matching tie, is worn by Regiment members with John Chard Medals, or 10 years or more Loyal Service medals. A black blazer, with a gold wire aloe emblem on the pocket badge, and matching tie, is worn by Regiment members with John Chard Decorations, or 20 years or more Loyal Service medals.
The Regiment also has an informal attire consisting of a golf shirt, padded or fleece jacket, jersey, shorts, cap and track suit all with the regiment's emblem on it.