South African honours system

South African honours system

The South African honours system has a continuous history from 1910, when the Union of South Africa was established.

1910 to 1952

South Africa used the British honours system from its establishment on 31 May 1910. However, in 1925, the South African Government issued a decree that banned South African citizens from being awarded peerages, knighthoods, and damehoods. Those who were awarded titles prior to this decree were allowed to retain them.

Three uniquely South African awards were instituted in this period;

*Union of South Africa Commemoration Medal, 1910. This was awarded to those who were involved in the commemorative events.

*Anglo-Boer War Service Medal. This was awarded to those who served in the armies of the Orange Free State and the South African Republic during the Second Boer War.

*Africa Service Medal. This was awarded during and after World War II for service in any part of Africa, including South Africa.

1952 to 1961

In 1952, the apartheid regime under Prime Minister Daniel Malan decided to institute a range of uniquely South African honours. The British honours system continued to be awarded in this period.

The new awards included the following:

*Order of the Star of South Africa

*South African Korean War Service Medal

1961 to 1994

On 31 May 1961, South Africa was declared a republic, albeit outside the Commonwealth of Nations. The British honours system ceased to be awarded at this time.

A range of honours was instituted in this period. These included the following;

*Order of the Star of South Africa
*Order of Good Hope
*Decoration for Meritorious Services
*John Chard Decoration
*John Chard Medal
*Jack Hinton Medal
*Woltemade Cross for Bravery

Several branches of the public services had their own honours systems established. For these, see the following:

*South African Police honours system
*South African Railway Police honours system
*South African Prison Service honours system

1994 to 2002

On 27 April 1994, South Africa entered into a new era after free elections were held. South Africa returned to membership in the Commonwealth of Nations on 1 June 1994. The pre-1994 honours system continued to be awarded by President Nelson Mandela and President Thabo Mbeki until 2002.

2002 Onward

A new series of Orders was created to replace the old system. These include the following:

*Order of the Baobab

A series of honours was established for the separate anti-apartheid resistance organisations. These can be found under the following:

*Umkhonto We Sizwe honours system

*Azanian Peoples' Organisation honours system

The awards that were issued under the 'independent' Bantustans and 'non-independent' Homelands have now been given a place within the South African order of wear.


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