Amatola Commando

Amatola 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.

Amatola Commando
Amatola Commando emblem
Active	3 January 1878 – 2003
Disbanded	2003
Country	South Africa
Allegiance	Cape Colony Union of South Africa Republic of South Africa Republic of South Africa
Branch	South African Army  South African Army
Type	Infantry
Role	Light Infantry
Size	One Battalion
Part of	South African Infantry Corps Army Territorial Reserve
Garrison/HQ	Stutterheim

History

Origin

Colony Frontier Wars

The Ngqika Rebellion

On 31 December 1877 martial law was proclaimed in the districts of Komgha and Stutterheim and on 3 January 1878 the Burgher Act was published which enabled government to call out burgher commandos.^[1][2]

Operations

With the Cape Colony

With the UDF

With the SADF

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

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.^[3][4] 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.^[5]

Unit Insignia

SADF era Amatola Commando insignia

Leadership

Leadership

From	Honorary Colonels	To
From	Commanding Officer	To
From	Regimental Sergeant Major	To