The Duke of Edinburgh was so impressed with the bearing of Cape Town's volunteer soldiers that, a few weeks later on 3 October 1867, a Government Notice No 318 was promulgated to the effect that he had conferred on the gunners the future designation of Prince Alfred's Own Cape Town Volunteer Artillery (PAOCTVA).

Here they carried out patrols in the region and the artillery guns fought the Germans during a small action at Schuits Drift.

This title, imposed on the regiment, was not popular, and in 1963 it was changed back to Cape Field Artillery, but without the princely style, which was no longer appropriate as South Africa had become a republic.

[4]: 36 During the post-war period the regiment was mobilised several times for duty in the South African Border War (1966 to 1989), including Operation Savannah in 1976.

Members of the Nelson Mandela Artillery Regiment regularly undergo refresher training to maintain physical fitness levels and to ensure that they remain well versed with the R4 assault rifle.

The guns were fired once more on Sunday 11 June at 18:40 in front of the Castle, marking the final day of the 2010 World Cup.

During the course of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Staff Sergeant Andrew Imrie of the Cape Field Artillery Pipes and Drums played 'Nightfall in Camp' from the Leerdam Bastion.

The regiment has received the Freedom of Bellville and of the City of Cape Town, a mark of honour that permits military units to parade through the city streets with fixed bayonets, drawn swords, drums beating and colours flying on all ceremonial and other occasions.

[1] In August 2019, 52 Reserve Force units had their names changed to reflect the diverse military history of South Africa.

[6] The new title was in honor of the man who for many was the symbol of the long battle for a diverse South Africa for over three decades and later own assumed not just the presidency of the republic but also became the first modern commander in chief of the SANDF.