Wepener Commando


Wepener 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

This commando was named in honour of Commandant Louw Wepener, a boer leader from the Basotho wars.

Operations

With the Orange Free State Republic

During the Basotho Wars
During the Anglo Boer War
The commando was involved in the Anglo Boer War most notable being:
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 under control of the National Reserve of Volunteers.
These commandos were formally reactivated by 1948.

With the SADF

During this era, the commando was mainly used for area force protection, search and cordones as well as stock theft control assistance to the rural police.
The unit was also used for border protection with Lesotho.

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. 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

Leadership