It was not until Admiral Hugo Biermann became Chief of the South African Defence Force in 1972 that the go-ahead was granted.

[2] The unit was originally based at Oudtshoorn in the Cape Province, but was moved to Durban in 1974,[3] where it was formally named 1 Reconnaissance Commando.

"South African Special Forces: Salary, World Rating, Weapons, Quick Facts", published by the website BuzzSouthAfrica.

According to the South African History website, legislation was passed in 1912 that allowed for the development for a special forces unit.

[4][5] The South African Special Forces Association website shed a light onto the leader of the Reconnaissance Commando and the 11 men who first served in the unit.