West Park Commando


West Park 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

The Sandton Commando was founded in 1962 as the West Park Commando, one of four English speaking groups in the Johannesburg Area to be formed at that time. It was renamed the Sandton Commando in 1969 with the establishment and naming of the new suburb. Since 1976 of the Commando volunteered and served with other operational units to combat terrorism.

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.

Leadership