Medals from South Africa
South African Military Medals, Orders, Badges & Awards
South Africa‘s military history is complex and has evolved significantly over the years. In the 17th century, European powers established settlements in the country, which led to numerous conflicts with indigenous peoples. Dutch settlers, known as Boers, established the Cape Colony, and, over time, British control was established. This colonial period saw various conflicts, including the Anglo-Zulu War and Anglo-Boer Wars.
South Africa also played a significant role in both World War I and World War II, contributing troops to fight alongside the Allies. These conflicts helped shape the country’s military infrastructure.
After the end of apartheid in 1994 (and after South Africa’s military was used to enforce racial segregation policies domestically and engaged in conflicts in neighboring countries), the military was integrated and transformed into the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). Since then, South Africa has played an important role in peacekeeping missions and became known for its contributions to the African Union and United Nations operations.
Medals from the
Union of South Africa (1910-1961)
The Union of South Africa was a sovereign state established on May 31, 1910, following the unification of several British colonies and territories in southern Africa. These included the Cape Colony, Natal, Transvaal, and the Orange Free State. The Union of South Africa was governed under a system of parliamentary democracy. However, the political landscape was dominated by the white minority, with racial segregation policies, known as apartheid, becoming increasingly institutionalized in subsequent decades.
The Union of South Africa Commemoration Medal
The The Union of South Africa Commemoration Medal is a military and civil medal that commemorates the opening of the first Union Parliament.
The Union of South Africa King’s Medal for Bravery
The Union of South Africa King’s Medal for Bravery was the country’s highest civilian decoration between 1910 and 1961.
The South African Medal for War Services
The South African Medal for War Services is a service medal for voluntary unpaid service in support of the war effort during WW2.
The Queen’s South Africa Medal
The Queen’s South Africa Medal is a military decoration established in 1900 and presented to military personnel in the Boer War.
Boer War Veteran Medals
In 1920, the South African government introduced a distinct series of honors for Boer veterans of the 1899–1902 Anglo-Boer War. Neither of the Boer republics they fought for had established its own system of honors. These awards included:
The Lint voor Wonden Award
The Lint voor Wonden Medal was instituted on 21 December 1920 as a retrospective award for Boer veteran officers and men.
The Medalje voor de Anglo-Boere Oorlog
The Medalje voor de Anglo-Boere Oorlog is a retrospective South African military campaign medal instituted on 21 December 1920.
The Dekoratie voor Trouwe Dienst
The Dekoratie voor Trouwe Dienst is a South African military decoration established in 1920 for Boer officers of the Second Boer War.
Medals from the
Republic of South Africa
The Republic of South Africa, commonly referred to as South Africa, emerged on May 31, 1961, following the country’s transition from a union to a republic. This transition marked a significant turning point in South Africa’s history, as it severed formal ties with the British monarchy and asserted its sovereignty as an independent nation. In 1994, South Africa held its first democratic elections, marking the end of apartheid and the dawn of a new era of democracy and equality.
The Woltemade Decoration for Bravery
The Woltemade Decoration for Bravery is a South African civil decoration for acts of bravery and was discontinued in 1961.
The Order of the Star of South Africa
The Order of the Star of South Africa is a South African National Order instituted by the Republic of South Africa and discontinued in 2002.
The Order of Good Hope
The Order of Good Hope is a dormant order of merit of the Republic of South Africa. It was founded in 1973 by the government.
Decoration for Meritorious Services (South Africa)
The Decoration for Meritorious Services was conferred until 1987 by the Government of the Republic of South Africa for political services.
The Order of The Baobab
The Order of The Baobab is a South African order created to award citizens for services to democracy, human rights, arts, and sciences.
The Order of Ikhamanga
The Order of Ikhamanga is a South African order created to award citizens who have excelled in the arts, literature, music, sport, and more.
The Order of Luthuli
The Order of Luthuli is a South African order created to award citizens or contributions to democracy, human rights, and justice.
The Order of Mapungubwe
The Order of Mapungubwe is a South African order created to award citizens who have served the interests of the country internationally.
The Order of the Companions of O. R. Tambo
The Order of the Companions of O.R. Tambo is a South African order created to award heads of state and senior diplomats for friendship to SA.
The Order of Mendi for Bravery
The Order of Mendi for Bravery is a South African order created to award citizens who have performed acts of bravery to save lives or property.
The Nkwe ya Gauta Golden Leopard Medal
The Nkwe ya Gauta Golden Leopard Medal is a South Africa military honor awarded for acts of bravery. It was established in 2003.
The iPhrothiya yeGolide Golden Protea Medal
The iPhrothiya yeGolide Golden Protea Medal is a South African bestowed upon individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership.
The Tshumelo Ikatelaho General Service Medal
The Tshumelo Ikatelaho General Service Medal is granted to all ranks who have taken part in military campaigns or operations with the UDF.
The Medalje vir Troue Diens Medal for Loyal Service
The Medalje vir Troue Diens Medal for Loyal Service is eligible to all ranks who have demonstrated impeccable character and conduct.
The Castle of Good Hope Decoration
The Castle of Good Hope Decoration was established in 1952 and designated as a military honor for acts of bravery.
The Louw Wepener Decoration
The Louw Wepener Decoration is a military honor established by the Union of South Africa in 1952 to recognize acts of remarkable bravery.
The Star of South Africa Medal
The Star of South Africa Medal was a military honor established by the Union of South Africa to recognize exceptional merit.
The Van Riebeeck Decoration
The Van Riebeeck Decoration is a South African military honor for acts of bravery, established by the Union of South Africa in 1952.
The South African Honoris Crux Medal
The South African Honoris Crux Medal was a military honor established by the Union of South Africa in 1952. It remained in use until 1975.
The South African Southern Cross Medal
The South African Southern Cross Medal is a military honor established in 1952 and granted for exceptional devotion to duty.
The South African Pro Merito Medal
The South African Pro Merito Medal was conferred upon the South African Defence Force in recognition of exceptional devotion to duty.
The Danie Theron Medal
The Danie Theron Medal s a military honor established by the Republic of South Africa in 1970 and initially reserved for officers.
The Jack Hindon Medal
The Jack Hindon Medal is a military honor bestowed upon other ranks in recognition of diligent service within the Commandos.
The South African Union Medal
The South African Union Medal honored Permanent Force members who exhibited eighteen years of exemplary service and conduct.
The Permanent Force Good Service Medal
The Permanent Force Good Service Medal was established by the Republic of South Africa in 1961 as a replacement for the Union Medal.
The John Chard Decoration
The John Chard Decoration was a military accolade for long service, established by the Union of South Africa on April 6, 1952.
The De Wet Decoration
The De Wet Decoration was established by the Republic of South Africa in 1965 as a military long service award.
The Cadet Corps Medal
The Cadet Corps Medal was established by the Republic of South Africa in 1966 for twenty years of effective service in the School Cadet Corps.
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