- Time Period: Post-WW2
- Institution: 27 April 2003
- Country: South Africa
The Tshumelo Ikatelaho – General Service Medal was established by the President of the Republic of South Africa on April 16, 2003, becoming effective on April 27, 2003. It is granted to all ranks who have taken part in military campaigns or operations that, although not meeting the criteria for specific campaign medals, merit recognition through a general service medal. The title of the medal is bilingual, presented in both Tshivenda and English.
The medal is eligible for all ranks of the South African National Defence Force, Auxiliary Service of the South African National Defence Force, and Armed Forces associated with or aiding the South African National Defence Force.
Those who have participated, whether directly or in support, in military campaigns or operations, whether they are belligerent or not, for one day or longer, in accordance with the regulations outlined in the Defence Act, qualify. These operations, while not individually meriting specific campaign medals, are deemed significant enough to warrant the presentation of a general service medal.
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 Tshumelo Ikatelaho General Service Medal Design
The Tshumelo Ikatelaho – General Service Medal is a 38-millimeter bronze medal, octagonal in shape, featuring a faceted nine-pointed star encircled by a laurel wreath. The star symbolizes the nine Provinces of the Republic of South Africa.
On the reverse side, the medal displays the coat of arms of the Republic of South Africa in raised relief. It is affixed to a plain nickel-silver suspender fixed to the upper rim of the medal, with the medal number stamped below the coat of arms.
The ribbon measures 32 millimeters in width and consists of a national flag blue band measuring 5 millimeters, followed by a 2 millimeter white band, a national flag red band measuring 6 millimeters, and a 1½ millimeter gold band. These bands are repeated in reverse order and separated by a 3 millimeter black band in the center.
