Modderfontein Commando

Modderfontein Commando
Modderfontein Industrial Commando emblem
Founded	1969 (1969)
Disbanded	February 14, 2003 (2003-02-14)
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

Modderfontein 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

Origin

Modderfontein Commando was tasked with the protection of the country's biggest manufacturer of explosives.

Operations

With the Republic Defense 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). Before that era, 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 stood down.

The commando was initially formed as an urban commando but was restructured in the early 1980s into an industrial commando tasked with protecting the complex at Modderfontein. Manpower for the commando was largely drawn from men working for AECI who had a military commitment.

The Commando was structured into a headquarter with four companies.

With the SANDF

Disbandment

This unit, along with all other Commando units, was disbanded after a decision by South African President Thabo Mbeki. 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.

Unit Insignia

SADF era Modderfontein Industrial Commando insignia

See also

• South African Commando System