Magol 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, service and/or a specialisation. In Medieval Europe, the term "regiment" denoted any large body of front-line soldiers, recruited or conscripted ...

of the

South African Army The South African Army is the principal 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 Service. ...

. 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

This unit can trace its origins as part of the original Waterberg Commando to just before the Anglo Boer War as the Transvaal Republic became more nervous of its British adversaries in Bechaunaland and

Rhodesia Rhodesia (, ), officially from 1970 the Republic of Rhodesia, was an unrecognised state in Southern Africa from 1965 to 1979, equivalent in territory to modern Zimbabwe. Rhodesia was the ''de facto'' successor state to the British colony of S ...

Operations

With the Zuid Afrikaanse Republiek

The

Waterberg Commando Waterberg 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 unit can trace its origins to just b ...

gathered at Nylstroom on 11 October 1899. After receiving news of the outbreak of war, this Commando proceeded to the confluence of the Limpopo and Palala rivers to join with the Soutpansberg Commando, cross into Bechaunaland and destroy railway infrastructure.

With the UDF

By 1902 all Commando remnants were under British military control and disarmed. By 1912, however previous Commando members could join shooting associations. The Noorden Grens Schietvereninging was formed. By 1940, such commandos were under control of the National Reserve of Volunteers. This commando performed the duties of a home guard at this stage. These commandos were formally reactivated by 1948.

With the SADF

This unit was originally named the Waterberg North Commando but was renamed the Magol Commando around 1972. The unit was situated in the Onverwacht neighbourhood of Ellisras, now Lephalale. SADF era Magdol Commando commemorative letter

SADF era Magdol Commando commemorative letter

The unit initially resorted under the command of Group 14 but was later transferred to Group 29. 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.

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 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 fo ...

Unit Insignia

Leadership

*Capt J. Geldenhuys 1912-1939 *Capt L. vd Westhuizen 1939 *Capt G.O. Mel 1940-1948 *Cmdt G.A. Wells 1949-1966 *Cmdt M.G. Eckard 1966-1983 *Cmdt J.J.S. Erasmus 1983