Senekal Commando

Senekal Commando was a light infantry regiment of the South African Army. It formed part of the South African Army Infantry Formation and the South African Territorial Reserve.

Senekal Commando
Senekal Commando emblem
Active	1900 - 2003
Disbanded	March 14, 2003 (22 years ago) (2003-03-14)
Country	South Africa
Allegiance	Orange Free State Republic 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, Group 36
Garrison/HQ	Senekal

History

Origin

This unit started as a subunit of the Winburg Commando around 1900.

Operations

With the Orange Free State Republic

After the battle of Paardekraal, the Senekal Commando joined up with General de Wet. On 4 April 1900, they defeated a British column near Mostertshoek. This was followed by a siege of Brabant`s Horse at Jammersberg.

The last major battle was at Biddulphsberg on 29 May 1900, when this commando took positions in the mountains between Senekal and Ficksburg.

With 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 controlled by the National Reserve of Volunteers.

These commandos were formally reactivated by 1948.

UDF era National Reserve of Volunteers shoulder tab

Under the SADF

In this era, the commando was utilised primarily for area force protection.

This unit fell under the command of Group 36.

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

Leadership

Leadership

From	Honorary Colonels	To
From	Commanding Officers	To
1900	Commandant A.I. de Villiers	nd
1901	Commandant S.G. Vilonel	nd
From	Regimental Sergeants Major	To

• Kommandant J.J. Human 1973

See also

• South Africa portal

• South African Commando System