Hay 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 As an isolated border town in the Cape Colony, Hay was allowed to protect itself from attack.Boer War Memorial Hay - Traces of War
Operations Republican Rebels During the Anglo Boer War approximately 1000 commandos from this district sided with the Orange Free State and ZAR republics.De Wet, C.R. Three Years War, Galago Press, Alberton, 1986 pp127
With the UDF
With the SADF During this era, the unit was mainly engaged in area force protection, search and cordons 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.
Unit Insignia
Leadership
References
See also South African Commando System