South African/UNITA Pattern 80 Webbing (1980’s)

Belt Kits, Insurgents, Later Cold War (1969 - 1989), Pouches, South Africa, Webbing

These items in “Donkey Brown” cotton material were produced by South Africa for export to their UNITA allies in Angola during the Border War.

Suspenders:

Outside.
Inside.

Belt Loops:

Slips over belt.

Buckles:

Pouch (Tab Closure):

Inside:

There are 2 pull tabs inside the pouch to make magazine removal easier. A similar feature with thinner strips of ribbon is also seen in some SADF chest rigs.

Metal Hardware:

Bottom:

Drain hole on bottom.

Usage Photo:

1980: UNITA troops with 75 mm recoilless rifles [1].

Pouch (Snap Closure):

Identical to the tab closure version, except for the snap on lid closure and on back for belt.

Same pebbled snaps as Pattern 70 webbing.

Top:

Bottom:

Inside:

Has same magazine retrieval flaps on the inside as pull tab version.