- Time Period: Post-WW2
- Institution: 27 April 2003
- Country: South Africa
The iPhrothiya yeGolide – Golden Protea, denoted by the post-nominal letters PG, was established by the President of the Republic of South Africa on April 16, 2003, becoming effective on April 27, 2003. It is bestowed upon individuals of all ranks who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, exceptional meritorious service, and unwavering dedication to duty. This prestigious decoration stands as South Africa’s highest military honor for meritorious conduct.
The decoration is granted to members of the South African National Defence Force, its Auxiliary Services, and affiliated Armed Forces who exhibit outstanding leadership, exceptional meritorious service, and unwavering dedication to duty. It holds precedence within a trio of military decorations for merit, accompanied by the iPhrothiya yeSiliva – Silver Protea and the iPhrothiya yeBhronzi – Bronze Protea.
About The Union Defence Forces (UDF)
Established in 1912 as the Union Defence Forces (UDF), the military entity underwent a renaming to become the South African Defence Force (SADF) in 1958. Subsequently, on April 27, 1994, it merged with six other distinct forces to form the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).
The iPhrothiya yeGolide Golden Protea Medal Design
The iPhrothiya yeGolide – Golden Protea features a six-pointed star showcasing a stylized protea, the national flower of South Africa, positioned within a blue hexagon at its center.
On the reverse side, the decoration displays the coat of arms of South Africa in raised relief. It is attached to a plain silver-gilt suspender fixed to the upper point of the star, with the medal number stamped or engraved below the coat of arms.
The ribbon measures 32 millimeters in width and is colored national flag blue, with a 2 millimeter wide gold band flanked by 2 millimeter wide black bands positioned at its center.
