Cately Commando

Gately 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.

Origin
This commando was established in East London on 29 February 1984. Its headquarters was situated in Cately street.

With the SADF
During this era, the unit was mainly used for area force protection, search and cordones as well as stock theft control assistance to the local police.

The unit resorted under the command of Group 8.

Amalgamation and final Disbandment
The unit was later disbanded and its personnel were amalgamated with the East London Commando.

Eventually this new 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.