Hartbeesfontein Commando

Hartbeesfontein 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.

Hartbeesfontein Commando
Hartbeesfontein Commando emblem
Active	1954-2006
Country	South Africa
Allegiance	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, Group 30
Garrison/HQ	Hartbeesfontein

History

Origin

Operations

With the SADF

The unit resorted under the command of Group 30.

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.^[1][2] 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.^[3]

Unit Insignia

SADF era Hartebeespoort Commando insignia

Leadership

Leadership

From	Honorary Colonels	To
From	Commanding Officers	To
1954	Commandant G.B. Du Plessis	1964
1964	Commandant C.W. De Klerk Swanepoel	1971
1980	Commandant J.A. Pretorius	1990
1990	Lt Colonel F.J.S. De Klerk	1995
1995	Lt Colonel J.P. Hamman	2002
2002	Lt Colonel J. Lemmer	2006
From	Regimental Sergeants Major	To