Hopetown 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 frontier town of the Cape Colony, Hopetown residents were allowed to organise themselves against the possible threat of Boer Republican incursions.
Operations
With the SADF
During this era, the unit was mainly engaged in 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.