The Cheetah is the regimental association magazine for the Rhodesian Light Infantry (RLI). It was last published in hard-copy format in 1980 at the disbandment of the RLI following the cessation of the bush war in the embryonic republic of Zimbabwe. Prior to this, the magazine, renowned for its witty and informed content, was a much sought-after and eagerly-awaited publication for civilians and servicemen alike, being sold commercially through the Southern African book trade. Today, original copies change hands for ridiculously high prices, being regarded as collectables.
With the revival of the RLI Regimental Association (RLIRA) in 2007, the magazine has been published on a quarterly basis since then, in electronic format. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the RLI on 1 February 1961, and 30 years after the disbandment of the regiment, the RLIRA have decided to bring out this hard-copy commemorative glossy edition that takes a nostalgic journey back in time, as well as highlighting the association's efforts of today in keeping the regimental esprit de corps alive.
About the Editor
Chris Cocks was born in Salisbury, Rhodesia, in 1957 and served three years as a combat NCO with 3 Commando, the Rhodesian Light Infantry from 1976 to 1979. He spent the last 14 months of the bush war as a PATU (Police Anti-Terrorist Unit) stick leader and avoiding the Military Police. He moved to Johannesburg in 1996 and started his publishing career, specialising in southern African military history.
