It draws much of its history from the South African Artillery, established in 1934 but with roots that reach back to 1921.

The SAPGA had begun operations some time before, when the coastal defences of the Cape Peninsula (manned by the Cape Garrison Artillery) had been handed over to South Africa in December 1921.In Proclamation No.

The army's reorganisation after the creation of the new South African National Defence Force was lengthy.

The so-called “Type Formations” were established which assumed responsibility for the provisioning of combat-ready forces to be employed under the direction of Joint Operations Division.

[1][6] The South African Army Artillery Formation HQ was established in April 1999.