**West Rand Commando**
**Definition:**
The West Rand Commando was a South African light infantry regiment that formed part of the South African Army Infantry Formation and the South African Territorial Reserve. It primarily operated in the West Rand region of Gauteng province and was involved in internal security, area protection, and support to the South African Police during its active years.
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# West Rand Commando
The West Rand Commando was a military unit within the South African Defence Force (SADF) and later the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), functioning as a light infantry regiment. It was part of the broader Commando system, a network of territorial reserve units that played a significant role in South Africa’s internal security and rural defense from the early 20th century until their disbandment in the early 21st century. The West Rand Commando was based in the West Rand area of Gauteng, a region known for its mining industry and urban settlements.
## History
### Origins and Formation
The Commando system in South Africa traces its origins back to the 17th century, evolving from the militia units of the Boer settlers. These units were organized to provide local defense and maintain order in rural areas. The West Rand Commando was established as part of this tradition, serving the West Rand region, which includes towns and suburbs west of Johannesburg.
The exact date of the formation of the West Rand Commando is not widely documented, but it became formally recognized as a unit within the SADF during the 20th century, particularly after the establishment of the Union Defence Force in 1912 and later the SADF in 1957. The unit was tasked with local defense duties, including protection of infrastructure, assistance to the police, and maintaining internal security.
### Role During the Apartheid Era
During the apartheid era, the Commando units, including the West Rand Commando, were primarily involved in internal security operations. They supported the South African Police in controlling civil unrest, enforcing apartheid laws, and protecting strategic installations. The West Rand, being a region with significant industrial and mining activity, was a critical area for maintaining order.
The unit’s members were typically part-time soldiers drawn from the local population, often with close ties to the communities they served. Their knowledge of the local terrain and population made them effective in area protection and rapid response to incidents.
### Transition and Integration into the SANDF
With the end of apartheid and the establishment of the South African National Defence Force in 1994, the role and structure of the Commando system came under review. The new government sought to transform the military to reflect the democratic South Africa and to address concerns about the role of the Commandos during apartheid.
The West Rand Commando, along with other Commando units, was integrated into the SANDF but faced increasing scrutiny. Their functions were gradually reduced, and their role in internal security was reassessed in light of the new political and social context.
### Disbandment
In the early 2000s, the South African government decided to disband the Commando system entirely. This decision was announced by President Thabo Mbeki and implemented by the Minister of Safety and Security, Charles Nqakula. The official rationale was that the Commandos were seen as remnants of the apartheid era and were incompatible with the new South African security framework.
The disbandment process took place between 2003 and 2008. The West Rand Commando, along with all other Commando units, was phased out. Their responsibilities for rural security and area protection were transferred to the South African Police Service and newly established units within the SANDF.
## Organization and Structure
### Command and Control
The West Rand Commando operated under the command structure of the South African Army Infantry Formation and was part of the Territorial Reserve. It reported to regional military commands responsible for the Gauteng province.
The unit was led by a Commanding Officer, supported by a staff responsible for operations, training, logistics, and administration. The command structure was designed to enable rapid mobilization of part-time soldiers in response to local security needs.
### Personnel
Members of the West Rand Commando were primarily part-time volunteers drawn from the local community. These citizen-soldiers balanced their military duties with civilian occupations. Recruitment focused on individuals with knowledge of the local area and a commitment to community defense.
Training was conducted periodically to maintain operational readiness, focusing on infantry skills, weapons handling, and area protection tactics. The unit also engaged in joint exercises with the police and other military units.
### Equipment and Capabilities
As a light infantry unit, the West Rand Commando was equipped with standard infantry weapons and equipment suitable for rapid deployment and patrol duties. This included rifles, light machine guns, communication devices, and vehicles for transport.
The unit’s capabilities centered on area protection, patrolling, crowd control, and support to law enforcement agencies. They were not equipped for large-scale conventional warfare but were effective in counter-insurgency and internal security roles.
## Operations and Activities
### Internal Security and Policing Support
The primary role of the West Rand Commando was to assist the South African Police in maintaining law and order within the West Rand region. This included responding to civil disturbances, protecting key infrastructure such as mines and power stations, and conducting patrols in rural and urban areas.
During periods of heightened political tension, particularly in the 1980s and early 1990s, the unit was involved in operations aimed at suppressing anti-apartheid protests and unrest. This role was controversial and contributed to the eventual decision to disband the Commando system.
### Area Protection and Border Security
Although the West Rand is an inland region, the Commando’s mandate included area protection, which involved securing the local environment against sabotage, theft, and other threats. The unit worked closely with local authorities to monitor and respond to security incidents.
Unlike some other Commando units located near South Africa’s borders, the West Rand Commando did not have a direct role in border security but contributed to the overall territorial defense strategy.
### Training and Community Engagement
The West Rand Commando conducted regular training exercises to maintain operational effectiveness. These exercises often involved coordination with police units and other military formations.
The unit also engaged with the local community through outreach programs, fostering relationships that supported recruitment and intelligence gathering. This community connection was a key aspect of the Commando system’s effectiveness.
## Legacy and Impact
### Role in South African Military History
The West Rand Commando represents a significant chapter in South Africa’s military history, reflecting the evolution of local defense forces from colonial militias to modern territorial reserves. Its activities illustrate the complexities of military involvement in internal security during a period marked by political conflict and social change.
### Controversies and Criticism
The Commando system, including the West Rand Commando, faced criticism for its role in enforcing apartheid policies and its association with human rights abuses. These issues were central to the decision to disband the Commandos and reform South Africa’s security apparatus.
### Post-Disbandment Developments
Following the disbandment of the West Rand Commando and other units, the South African government implemented alternative structures for rural and urban security. The South African Police Service expanded its capacity, and the SANDF developed new units to address security challenges in a democratic context.
The legacy of the West Rand Commando remains a subject of study for military historians and analysts examining the transformation of South Africa’s defense forces.
## See Also
– South African Commando System
– South African Army Infantry Formation
– South African Defence Force
– South African National Defence Force
– Internal Security in South Africa
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**Meta Description:**
The West Rand Commando was a South African light infantry regiment involved in internal security and area protection in the West Rand region. It was part of the Commando system until its disbandment in the early 2000s.