15 South African Infantry Battalion

15 South African Infantry Battalion is a motorised infantry unit of the South African Army.

15 South African Infantry Battalion
15 SAI emblem
Active1994 to present
Country South Africa
Branch South African Army
TypeMotorised infantry
Part ofSouth African Infantry Formation
Garrison/HQThohoyandou, Limpopo
Superimposed on a Western European-traditional-shape shield, top half green and bottom half black, an elephant's head.[1]Elephant
Insignia
Company level insignia

History

Origin

This battalion was established in 1994 from the ranks of the former Venda Defence Force.[1][2] The unit badge reflects its location. Thohoyandou means "head of the elephant".

Operational Command

The unit resorted for operational purposes under the command of the Soutpansberg Military Area.

Insignia

Previous Dress Insignia
SANDF early era 15 SAI insignia

Current Dress Insignia
SANDF era Infantry Formation insignia

SANDF's Motorised Infantry

SANDF's Motorised Infantry is transported mostly by Samil trucks, Mamba APC's or other un-protected motor vehicles. Samil 20,50 and 100 trucks transport soldiers, towing guns, and carrying equipment and supplies. Samil trucks are all-wheel 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
From Officer Commanding To
2003 Col Xolisa Poni c. nd
2004 Lt Col Johannes Foke c. nd
From Regimental Sergeants Major To

References
  1. Engelbrecht, Leon (2007). A guide to the SANDF - unpublished manuscript. Johannesburg. p. Chapter 9C, p.8.
  2. Grundy, K.W. Soldiers without politics, Blacks in the South African Armed Forces, Perspectives on Southern Africa, 33, University of California Press, Berkeley. ISBN 0-520-04710-9 AACR2


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