The South African Special Forces Brigade (popularly known as "Recces") is the main Special Forces unit of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).

On October 1, 1972, 1 Reconnaissance Commando was created at Oudtshoorn, South Africa. It was relocated a few years later to Durban, South Africa. This was the first South African Special Forces unit.

The South African special forces played a significant role in the country's 30 year long border war in Namibia and Angola.

South African Special Forces now consists of Special Forces Headquarters in Pretoria, 4 Special Forces Regiment in Langebaan, 5 Special Forces Regiment - Phalaborwa and the Special Forces School in Murrayhill.

4 Special Forces Regiment specialise in maritime-related activities, whereas 5 Special Forces regiment specialises more in overland techniques, especially long-range infiltration.

Though an infantry unit, the Brigade is not a part of the South African Army and instead falls under the authority of the Joint Operations Division of the SANDF.