Hoopstad Commando
# Hoopstad Commando

Hoopstad 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

**With the Orange Free State Republic**

This commando was raised in the Anglo Boer War and was used in several opening engagements such as the Battle of Belmont in November 1899.

**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.

By 1940, such commandos were under control of the National Reserve of Volunteers.

These commandos were formally reactivated by 1948.

**With the SADF**

The unit was mainly used in this era for area force protection, cordones and searches as well as assisting the rural police in stock theft control.

The unit resorted under the command of Group 24.

**With the SANDF**

**Disbandment**

This unit, along with all other Commando units, was disbanded after a decision by South African President Thabo Mbeki to dissolve 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.

