From cooperation to amalgamation: the integration of the Selous Scouts into the South African Special Forces

The Selous Scouts and South African Special Forces evolved parallel to each other during a volatile period in military history. Due to the well-publicised successes of the Selous Scouts, it did not take long for the South African Special Forces to start liaising with its neighbouring special forces counterpart. The South African Special Forces’ requirement to establish a unit similar to the Selous Scouts soon developed into a mutual benefitting relationship consisting of training and limited operational cooperation. With drastic political changes on the horizon for Rhodesia, South Africa planned to create a safe haven for the Selous Scouts by incorporating them into the South African Special Forces. The envisioned en masse movement of the Selous Scouts in 1980 after Mugabecame to power, did, however, not materialise. Most of the Selous Scouts opted to either remain behind in Zimbabwe to serve the new government, or to pursue careers outside the military. Those who opted to join the South African Special Forces formed 3 Reconnaissance Commando in Phalaborwa, which later amalgamated with 5 Reconnaissance Commando to form 5 Reconnaissance Regiment. Despite being few in number, the Selous Scouts who joined the South African Special Forces left a lasting legacy.