Modderfontein Commando

The Modderfontein Commando was a light infantry unit of the South African Army. It formed part of the South African Army Infantry Formation as well as the South African Territorial Reserve under the Commando System.

Modderfontein Commando
Modderfontein Industrial Commando emblem
Founded	1969 (56 years ago) (1969)
Disbanded	14 February 2003
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
Garrison/HQ	Modderfontein, Johannesburg

It was phased out in 2003-2008 along with the rest of the commando system due to its role in Apartheid.

History

Origin

The Modderfontein Commando was tasked with the protection of the Modderfontein Dynamite Factory, South Africa's biggest manufacturer of explosives.^{[citation needed]}

Operations

Within the South African Defence Force (SADF)

Main article: South African Army Infantry Formation § Republic Defence Force (SADF)

In 1969, the Modderfontein Dynamite Factory was placed under the protection of the Republic Defence Force (SADF).^{[clarification needed]} Before then, the factory was protected by a unit of the National Volunteer Battalion (NVB) that was made up of "keymen" and other volunteers. In 1946 the NVB units were retired.

The Modderfontein Commando was initially formed as an urban commando unit but was restructured in the early 1980s into an industrial commando unit tasked with protecting the complex at Modderfontein. Specialized personnel allocated to the commando was largely drawn from men working for AECI who had a military commitment.^{[citation needed]}

The Commando was structured into a headquarter with four companies.^{[citation needed]}

Within the South African National Defence Force (SANDF)

Disbandment

This unit, along with all other Commando units, were disbanded after a decision by South African President Thabo Mbeki.^[1][2] According to the Minister of Safety and Security, Charles Nqakula,^[3] the Commando system was phased out between 2003 and 2008 "because of the role it played in the apartheid era."

Unit Insignia

SADF era Modderfontein Industrial Commando insignia