Pongola Commando

Pongola Commando was a light infantry regiment of the South African Army and was based in the town of Pongola. It formed part of the South African Army Infantry Formation as well as the South African Territorial Reserve.

History

Origin

This unit was created by merging the Pongola Company of the Piet Retief Commando with the North Coast Commando on 17 October 1970.

Operations

With the SADF

Under the SADF, the unit was mainly engaged in area force protection, search and cordones as well as stock theft control assistance to the rural police.
During severe Tropical Storm Domoina in 1984, the unit provided civil protection support through establishing a communication network, by distributing much needed food and emergency supplies, and a range of other civil defence measures.

With the SANDF

Disbandment

This unit, along with all other Commando units, was phased out between 2003 and 2008 following a decision by South African President Thabo Mbeki. According to the then Minister of Safety and Security, Charles Nqakula, the decision formed part of a national process to abolish the commando system and to establish new structures for local security.

Unit Insignia

The unit's insignia features a barrel or vat, a design inspired by the town's name, which is derived from the uPhongolo River, itself named after the isiZulu word for barrel, vat, trough, or cask.

Leadership

The unit's commanding officers listed above generally held the rank of commandant.