- 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 on31 May 1910 . However, in 1925, the South African Government issued a decree that banned South African citizens from being awardedpeerages ,knighthoods , anddamehoods . Those who were awarded titles prior to this decree were allowed to retain them.Three uniquely South African awards were instituted in this period;
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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 theOrange Free State and theSouth African Republic during theSecond Boer War .*
Africa Service Medal . This was awarded during and afterWorld War II for service in any part ofAfrica , 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:
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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 theCommonwealth 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;
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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:
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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 theCommonwealth of Nations on1 June 1994. The pre-1994 honours system continued to be awarded by PresidentNelson Mandela and PresidentThabo Mbeki until 2002.2002 Onward
A new series of Orders was created to replace the old system. These include the following:
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Order of the Baobab A series of honours was established for the separate anti-apartheid resistance organisations. These can be found under the following:
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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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