Vereeniging Commando was a
light infantry
Light infantry refers to certain types of lightly equipped infantry throughout history. They have a more mobile or fluid function than other types of infantry, such as heavy infantry or line infantry. Historically, light infantry often fought ...
regiment
A regiment is a military unit. Its role and size varies markedly, depending on the country, military service, service, or administrative corps, specialisation.
In Middle Ages, Medieval Europe, the term "regiment" denoted any large body of l ...
of the
South African Army
The South African Army is the principal Army, land warfare force of South Africa, a part of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), along with the South African Air Force, South African Navy and South African Military Health Servi ...
. It formed part of the
South African Army Infantry Formation
The South African Army Infantry Formation supervises all infantry within the South African Army.
History Origins: Union Defence Force
South African Infantry originated as the ''Infantry Branch'' of the Union Defence Forces in 1913.
In 1915, ...
as well as the South African Territorial Reserve.
History
Origin
The Vereeniging Commando was formed in 1921 as a Shooting Commando and its first Commander was Lt Col Karel Rood.
Operations
With the UDF
The Shooting Commando received its official status as a Commando in 1957 and in 1961 received its first Citizen Force members.
With the SADF
During this era, the unit was mainly used for area force protection, search and cordones as well as stock theft control assistance to the rural police.
=Freedom of Entry
=
The Commando received the Freedom of Entry to the city of
Vereeniging
Vereeniging ( ; ) is a city located in the south of Gauteng province, South Africa, situated where the Klip River empties into the northern loop of the Vaal River. It is also one of the constituent parts of the Vaal Triangle region and was forme ...
on 14 February 1976.
= National Colours
=
On 16 August 1991, the commanding officer Cmdt J.C. Kruger, accepted the award of National Colours on behalf of the unit.
With the SANDF
= Disbandment
=
This unit, along with all other
Commando units was disbanded after a decision by South African President
Thabo Mbeki
Thabo Mvuyelwa Mbeki (; born 18 June 1942) is a South African politician who served as the 2nd democratic president of South Africa from 14 June 1999 to 24 September 2008, when he resigned at the request of his party, the African National Cong ...
to disband all Commando Units. 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
Charles Nqakula (born 13 September 1942) is a South African politician who served as Minister of Defence from September 2008 to 2009. He also served as Minister for Safety and Security from May 2002 to September 2008.
Nqakula is married to th ...
.
On Friday 29 September 2006 Vereeniging Commando finally closed its doors when Lt Col J.C. Zelie handed the
VMB keys over to the Department of Public Works.
Insignia
Leadership
References
See also
*
South African Commando System
The Commando System was a mostly voluntary, part-time force of the South African Army, but in their role as local militia the units were often deployed in support of and under the authority of the South African Police.
Mission
South Africa's ...
Infantry regiments of South Africa
South African Commando Units
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