Zastron Commando

Zastron 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

Operations

Under 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.

Under the SADF

During this era the Commando was mainly used for area force protection, search and cordones as well as stock theft control assistance to the rural police.

Under the SANDF

Amalgamation

By 1997 Rouxville Commando was amalgamated with Zastron Commando.

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.