SASOL Commando
- Republic of South Africa
- Republic of South Africa
- South African Army
- South African Army
Army Territorial Reserve
SASOL 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
Oil was the one major raw material not available in South Africa except synthetically from coal. This priority resource was therefore placed under a high degree of control by the government, which expected to meet 50% of its oil needs from the SASOL program. The South African Coal Oil and Gas Corporation was a state controlled company. Three large plants were developed and eventually considered National Key Points.
The first industrial Commando
The SASOL Commando was formed from workers from the refinery to protect these installations as they were already trained in the safety protocols and how to handle the inherent dangers involved.
These members had been originally part of the Heilbron Commando but were released on 14 February 1962 to form this first industrial commando. An industrial commando was specifically tasked to primarily protect sensitive installations. By 1974 a few other industrial commandos had been formed as well.
Relationship with other Commandos
The SASOL Commando's first permanent HQ was opened in May 1975. They worked closely with Regiment Sasolburg on external threats to the refinery.[1]
Freedom of the City
Freedom of the City of Sasolburg was awarded to the unit in August 1979.
Attacks on the refinery and response
In June 1980, the SASOL plants were targeted by the ANC's MK, which resulted in the National Key Points Act being strengthened. Other companies considered critical could now be required to host commandos, would be given military training and be integrated into regional military plans. The attack on SASOL 1 itself resulted in a scaling up of activities of this unit.
Combined with the Sasolburg Commando, it had become the largest commando (battalion size) in the 1980s.
Change of Command
The unit was brought under the command of Group 17 in January 1981 so that it could assist in the protection of industries of the Vaal Triangle. The SASOL Commando was finally transferred to Group 24 at Kroonstad.
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.[2][3] 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.[4]
Leadership
Unit Insignia
References
- ^ "DIE MEGANISMES WAARDEUR DIE VAALDRIEHOEKSE PUBLIEK GEMOBILISEER IS" (PDF) (in Afrikaans). Retrieved 14 August 2023.
- ^ Col L B van Stade, Senior Staff Officer Rationalisation, SANDF (1997). "Rationalisation in the SANDF: The Next Challenge". Institute for Security Studies. Archived from the original on 16 March 2016. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ "About the Commando system". Retrieved 17 January 2008.
- ^ de Lange, Deon. "South Africa: Commandos Were 'Hostile to New SA'". Cape Argus. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
See also
- v
- t
- e
- GSB Oudtshoorn
- 8 x Commandos
- Oudtshoorn Commando
- Worcester Commando
- Cradock Commando
- Katberg Commando
- Murraydeen Commando
- Somerset East Commando
- Stormberg Commando
- Midland Commando, (previously Fort Beaufort Commando)
- GSB Pietermaritzburg
- 5 x Commandos
- Pietermaritzburg Commando/Natalia Regiment
- Umkomaas Commando
- Umvoti Commando
- Midmar Commando
- Weenen-Kliprivier Commando
- Griqualand-East Commando
- GSB Pietersburg
- 7 x Commandos
- Pietersburg Commando
- Limpopo Commando(SMA)
- Magdol Commando
- Soutpansberg Commando(SMA)
- Thabazimbi Commando
- Warmbad Commando
- Waterberg Commando Nylstroom
- Potgietersrus Commando
- GSB Johannesburg
- 8 x Commandos
- Delmas Commando
- Heidelberg Commando
- Nigel Commando
- Springs Commando
- GSB Kimberley
- 10 x Commandos
- 11 Commando
- Barkly West Commando
- Herbert Commando
- Hopetown Commando
- Kimberley Commando
- Karoo Commando
- Vaalharts Commando
- Victoria West Commando
- GSB Lohathla
- 7 x Commandos
- Boegoeberg Commando
- Gordonia Commando
- Kakamas Commando
- Hay Commando
- Orania Commando
- Prieska Commando
- GSB Kroonstad
- 17 x Commandos
- Heilbron Commando
- Hoopstad Commando
- Koppies Commando
- Kroonstad Commando
- Lindley Commando
- Parys Commando
- SASOL Commando
- Regiment Sasolburg
- Senekal Commando
- Virginia Commando
- Vrede Commando
- GSB Bloemfontein
- 16 x Commandos
- Caledon River Commando
- Fauresmith Commando
- Ladybrand Commando
- Senekal Commando
- Alberton Commando
- Edenvale Commando
- Modderfontein Commando
- Sandton Commando (previously West Park Commando)
- West Park Commando (renamed Sandton Commando)
- GSB Port Elizabeth
- 7 x Commandos