- Time Period: Post-WW2
- Institution: 1 July 1975
- Country: South Africa
The Order of the Star of South Africa, a South African National Order, featured seven distinct decorations across both military and non-military categories. Established on July 1, 1975, by the Republic of South Africa, these decorations were awarded by the State President and, beginning in 1994, the President of South Africa. They were bestowed upon general and flag officers of the South African Defence Force in recognition of their outstanding contributions to national defense and security. This order replaced the 1952 Star of South Africa decoration and later included a civilian division in 1978.
The order drew its name from the Star of South Africa, the first significant diamond discovered in South Africa in 1869, along the banks of the Orange River. This discovery ignited the New Rush and led to the establishment of Kimberley.
Initially, the order exclusively recognized military merit, with two distinct classes:
- The Star of South Africa, Gold (post-nominal letters SSA): Awarded for meritorious military service that enhanced the efficiency and readiness of the South African Defence Force, contributing significantly to national security.
- The Star of South Africa, Silver (post-nominal letters SSAS): Recognizing exceptionally meritorious service of major military importance.
However, the order was discontinued on December 2, 2002, concluding its legacy of honoring those who played crucial roles in South Africa’s defense and security.
The Order of the Star of South Africa Design
The order’s obverse side features a gold or silver Maltese cross adorned with blue enamel. Two four-pointed stars are layered atop one another and upon the cross, with a central diamond. The pre-1994 South African Coat of Arms is depicted on the reverse side. In the SSA and SSAS classes of both divisions, protea flowers are positioned between the cross’s arms.
Each class possesses its distinct ribbon, with the first three classes worn around the neck and the others on the chest. Within the military division, the SSA ribbon is a plain dark blue, while the SSAS ribbon combines dark blue with a white central band. Until 1988, the Star of South Africa, Gold also featured a gold neck chain for ceremonial events.
In the non-military division, the ribbons exhibit dark blue with various combinations of orange and white bands:
- Orange edges for the SSA.
- White edges for the SSAS.
- White edges and an orange center band for the CSSA.
- White edges and an orange center band flanked by two white bands for the OSSA.
- White edges with three white center bands for the MSSA.
Recipients of the SSA and SSAS classes also wear eight-pointed breast stars, showcasing the decoration’s obverse.
