Medals Database – Medals from South Africa

Medals from South Africa

South African Military Medals, Orders, Badges & Awards

South Africa‘s military history is complex and has evolved significantly over the years. In the 17th century, European powers established settlements in the country, which led to numerous conflicts with indigenous peoples. Dutch settlers, known as Boers, established the Cape Colony, and, over time, British control was established. This colonial period saw various conflicts, including the Anglo-Zulu War and Anglo-Boer Wars.

South Africa also played a significant role in both World War I and World War II, contributing troops to fight alongside the Allies. These conflicts helped shape the country’s military infrastructure.

After the end of apartheid in 1994 (and after South Africa’s military was used to enforce racial segregation policies domestically and engaged in conflicts in neighboring countries), the military was integrated and transformed into the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). Since then, South Africa has played an important role in peacekeeping missions and became known for its contributions to the African Union and United Nations operations.

Medals from the
Union of South Africa (1910-1961)

The Union of South Africa was a sovereign state established on May 31, 1910, following the unification of several British colonies and territories in southern Africa. These included the Cape Colony, Natal, Transvaal, and the Orange Free State. The Union of South Africa was governed under a system of parliamentary democracy. However, the political landscape was dominated by the white minority, with racial segregation policies, known as apartheid, becoming increasingly institutionalized in subsequent decades.

Boer War Veteran Medals

In 1920, the South African government introduced a distinct series of honors for Boer veterans of the 1899–1902 Anglo-Boer War. Neither of the Boer republics they fought for had established its own system of honors. These awards included:

Medals from the
Republic of South Africa

The Republic of South Africa, commonly referred to as South Africa, emerged on May 31, 1961, following the country’s transition from a union to a republic. This transition marked a significant turning point in South Africa’s history, as it severed formal ties with the British monarchy and asserted its sovereignty as an independent nation. In 1994, South Africa held its first democratic elections, marking the end of apartheid and the dawn of a new era of democracy and equality.

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