71 Motorised Brigade (South Africa)

71 Motorised Brigade was a former formation of the South African Army. Primarily a Citizen Force (reserve) formation, it was one of several such brigades tasked with regional defense during the Cold War and post-apartheid eras. The brigade's component units were drawn from various parts of South Africa, contributing to a nationwide network of military reserves.

Its primary role was to provide a mobile infantry capability, utilising motorised transport for rapid deployment within its designated area of responsibility. The specific organisation and equipment of the brigade would have varied over time, but typically included motorised infantry battalions, supporting artillery, signals, engineer, and logistics units.

Like other Citizen Force formations, 71 Motorised Brigade participated in regular training exercises and may have been called upon to support internal security operations or disaster relief efforts. The brigade's existence reflects South Africa's historical reliance on a strong reserve force to augment its full-time military.

Following a series of restructuring and rationalisation efforts within the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) after the end of apartheid, 71 Motorised Brigade was disestablished. The precise date of its disbandment and the current status of its former units would require further investigation of SANDF historical records. Its legacy lies in the contribution it made to South Africa's military preparedness during a period of significant political and social change.