The Mpondo uprising of 1960–61: the genesis of modern rural insurgency and airborne counter-insurgency operations in southern Africa

In the 1950s, the apartheid policies of the government of South Africa led to spontaneous and widespread demonstrations and even uprisings. This was particularly evident in rural tribal areas. The backlash from the authorities resulted in clashes with police and the military. This was this most volatile in the then Transkei Territory. The sophistication and scope of what came to be called the ‘Pondo Revolt’ (more correctly, ‘Mpondo’) profoundly affected the liberation movements and the security forces. It was instigated by people not trained in insurgency, erupted independently of the mainstream liberation movements and reached proportions of open rebellion. Yet it was the only insurgent action within the rural areas of South Africa where alternative administrative and judicial structures were established. The miniscule military battle group mobilised to support the police in suppressing the revolt included a few fixed and rotary wing aircraft. This was the first time that helicopters were used by South Africa in rural counter-insurgency operations. It laid the foundation for their extensive employment in the campaigns that developed in South-West Africa/Namibia, Angola and Rhodesia/Zimbabwe.