Medals, Ribbons, Orders and Decorations: SA National Defence Force

The origin of orders can be traced back as far as the year 1098, introduced by the Roman Catholic church. Some ancient military orders known are that of the Knights Templar (1118) and the Order of St John (1113).

During the early years of the Cape of Good Hope a variety of orders, decorations and medals were seen. During the Anglo Boer War (1899 to 1902) the Zuid-Afrikanche Republiek and Oranje Vrijstaat had no war medals of their own. In 1920 Britain introduced a campaign medal (Boere-Oorlog-Medalje) and a merit medal (Dekoratie voor Trouwe Dienst).

During the period of the Union of South Africa (1920 to 1961), South Africans were awarded British orders.

From 6 April 1952 the South African governor-general could institute South African decoration and medals with British consent. With the establishment of the RSA on 31 May 1961, the State President of SA had full jurisdiction to institute and awards honours. Only the president can institute awards.

The SA system of honours is based on the British system orders, decorations, medals and commendations. This system has been slightly adapted to suit the indigenous South African culture. From 27 April 1994 the need to replace in favour of a system that will reflect the newly transformed SANDF. Hence a totally new award series was designed to be in line with the one force concept.

Current Medal Series

Bravery Awards
FLTR - Gold, Silver and Bronze

Merit Awards
FLTR - Gold, Silver and Bronze

Good Service Medal

Campaign Medal

Unitas Medal

Mention in Dispatches

National Orders of the Republic of South Africa

Order of Mapungubwe

Order of Companions of OR Tambo

Order of the Baobab