Oribi 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 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 as well as the South African Territorial Reserve.

History

Origins

Oribi commando was raised in 1979 and took responsibility for the area originally allocated to Charlie Company of South Coast Commando.

With the SADF

This area stretched from Karridene to Port Edward and inland to the Highflats area. Its headquarters was originally based at Winkelspruit. A new headquarters in Marburg,

Port Shepstone Port Shepstone is a large town situated on the mouth of the Mzimkhulu River, the largest river on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast of South Africa. It is located halfway between Hibberdene and Margate and is positioned 120 km south of Durban. ...

was occupied in 1980. The commando consisted of the following: * Alpha company: essentially national servicemen who formed the reaction unit * Bravo company: volunteers from Umkomaas and Scottburgh * Charlie company: volunteers from Hibberdene, Port Shepstone and Paddock * Delta company: volunteers from Shell Beach, Margate and Port Edward

=Reaction Force

= This commando was home to a full-time reaction force for the southern part of natal and as a result the commando was essentially deployed on an ongoing basis during the period of unrest.

=National Colours

= This unit received its national Colours on 11 August 1990.

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

References

Infantry regiments of South Africa South African Commando Units {{SouthAfrica-mil-stub