A decision was made around 1979 to develop a Zulu speaking infantry battalion.[1] On 20 January men who had reported for duty at the Jozini Base were sent to 21 SAI Battalion at Lenz (near Johannesburg) where 79 men completed training.
Garrison
On 23 April 1979, 121 SAI Battalion was established and allocated lines near an old Water Affairs compound at Jozini.[2] By 1980, a platoon of 121 SAI Battalion was despatched for duty in South West Africa (Namibia).
By 1981, 121 SAI Battalion was relocated to a new base at Dukuduku where the leopard head was adopted as the beret badge. 121 SAI Battalion received its national colours in 1989.
Freedom of the City was issued to 121 SAI Battalion by:
SANDF's Motorised Infantry is transported mostly by Mamba Mk3 Armoured Personnel Carriers, SAMIL Trucks, or other un-protected motor vehicles. SAMIL 20, SAMIL 50 and SAMIL 100 trucks transport soldiers, towing guns, and carrying equipment and supplies. SAMIL trucks are 2x4 and 4x6 drive, in order to have vehicles that function reliably in extremes of weather and terrain. Motorised infantry have an advantage in mobility allowing them to move to critical sectors of the battlefield faster, allowing better response to enemy movements, as well as the ability to outmaneuver the enemy.
Leadership
Leadership
From
Honorary Colonel
To
XXX
XXX
XXX
From
Officer Commanding
To
1981
Major E. Pretorius
nd
1982
Commandant J. Quinn
1984
1984
Commandant J.J. Lotheringen
1989
1990
Commandant P. Smythe
1992
From
Regimental Sergeants Major
To
Insignia
Previous Dress Insignia
SADF era 121 Battalion insignia
Current Dress Insignia
SANDF era Infantry Formation insignia
References
^Grundy, K.W. Soldiers without politics, Blacks in the South African Armed Forces, Perspectives on Southern Africa, 33, University of California Press, Berkeley. ISBN0-520-04710-9 AACR2
^"Author". Archived from the original on 1 February 2015. Retrieved 23 December 2014.
