‘A clash of cultures’: varying perspectives on the Rhodesian incorporation into the South African special forces

Abstract

ABSTRACT The South African Special Forces shared a close bond with the Rhodesian Special Air Service during the 1970s. Prior to the political changes in Rhodesia in 1980, a secret offer had been extended by the South African Defence Force to the Special Air Service to join the South African Special Forces. Following the 1979 elections in Rhodesia, many Rhodesian SAS operators joined the South African Special Forces to form 6 Reconnaissance Commando. However, the cultural differences and friction between the South African and Rhodesian operators hindered long-term cooperation. The potential for a much broader integration of Rhodesian experience was lost due to the clash in cultures between the South Africans and Rhodesians, and the loss of these Rhodesian operators due to dissatisfaction represented a missed opportunity for South Africa to have significantly strengthened its special forces. After only one operation in 1981, in which three Rhodesian operators were killed in action, most of the Rhodesians opted to end their contract with the South African Special Forces, which ultimately resulted in the closure of the Rhodesian Commando. This article examines why the incorporation of the Rhodesians did not work as envisioned from both a Rhodesian and South African perspective.