It was the defence force of Ciskei, a bantustan that was controlled by the apartheid regime of South Africa.

The Ciskei military band was also stationed at Bulembo and fell under the Air Wing for administrative purposes.

The CDF had one 25 pounder field gun for ceremonial purposes and used R4/R5 assault rifles.

"[1] These were the medals awarded by the Ciskei authorities, primarily to members of the CDF: With the end of Apartheid in 1994 in South Africa, the former defence forces of the Bantustans were incorporated into the newly formed South African National Defence Force.

On the green a large golden eagle clasped a lightning bolt.