This unit was first established as 5 Reconnaissance Commando in 1976 in Durban, and was moved to Duku Duku in Northern Natal in 1979. In 1980, 5 Reconnaissance Regiment was moved from Duku Duku to Phalaborwa, where it has remained ever since.

In 1981, 5 Reconnaissance Commando was redesignated as 5 Reconnaissance Regiment.

The compliment of 5 Reconnaissance Regiment were dealt into Commandos, as follow:-

5.1. Commando – Operational (Motto: Komesho Nonyanti)
5.2. Commando – Operational (Motto: Camels don’t cry)
5.3. Commando – Operational (Motto: Pamberi ne Hondo)
5.4. Commando – Operational (Small Teams)
5.5. Commando – Training

During the period of rationalisation, reorganisation and integration, from 1992 to 1995, 5 Reconnaissance Regiment was firstly renamed 451 Parachute Battalion, before being finally re-designated as 5 Special Forces Regiment.

In 1997, the Special Forces School was transferred 5 Special Forces Regiment upon the retirement of 1 Special Forces Regiment where the School had previously been based. The Special Forces School was transferred out of 5 Special Forces Regiment in 2002, to become a stand-alone unit.

The Commandos in 5 Special Forces regiment were reorganized to comprise:-

5.1 Commando – Operational Commando
5.2 Commando – Operational Commando

Training Wing