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Is camouflage clothing illegal in South Africa?
Partly. Camouflage clothing is restricted in South Africa. Wearing the army's own camo pattern can get you arrested.
Defence Act 42 of 2002 bans unauthorised use of SANDF uniform items; SANDF said civilians found wearing them would be arrested and prosecuted (Daily News, 23 Oct 2025). Applies to the SANDF pattern, not camo fashion in general.
Source: Defence Act 42/2002
Banned (8)Restricted (6)Allowed
- South Africa is one of 8 countries where camouflage clothing is banned, and 6 more restrict it.
- Its neighbours: banned in 1 of 6 (Zimbabwe).
- In Africa: banned in 1 of 49 countries.
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Other countries that ban camouflage clothing
Dominica
St. Vincent & Grenadines
Antigua & Barbuda
St. Kitts & Nevis
Grenada
St. Lucia
Barbados
ZimbabweAll 8 on the map ›What else is banned in South Africa
SpankingAnti-personnel landminesAsbestosCorporal punishment in schoolsSex selectionJaywalkingTrans fatJob at 13StarlinkCluster munitionsEverything for South Africa ›
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