Field cornet (Afrikaans: veldkornet) is a term formerly used in South Africa for either a local government official or a military officer.
The office had its origins in the position of veldwachtmeester in the Dutch Cape colony, and was regarded as being equivalent to a sergeant.
The British administration enhanced its importance with the term field cornet, making it equivalent to an officer's rank.
As such, a field cornet performed important functions in administrative, judicial and police matters.
In addition, in peacetime the field cornet was the head of the militia, was responsible for maintaining law and order in his area, and was tasked with supervising the handover of postal items on arrival in his district.