On 28 November 1961, SADFO 181/61 Inception and Allocation of units of the Permanent Force, was issued by Commandant-General P.H.

This SADFO contained the name of 3 SA Infantry Battalion, leading to the unit's inception on 1 January 1962.

National Service intakes ceased when the unit moved to Kimberley on 5 December 1988.

The new source of manpower was volunteers with recruitment mainly from the Northern Cape, Orange Free State and Transvaal.

The unit also presents formal training to Permanent Force members of the SA Army.

A march-past followed through the streets of the town after which guests of honor and senior officers attended a luncheon at the city hall.

3 SAI Bn is the fourth military institution to be honoured with the Freedom of the City of Kimberley.