Miscellaneous Decorations and Medals

The official Table of Precedence covers not only official orders, decorations, and medals awarded by the national government, but also awards given to South Africans by other governments, and those granted by local authorities, statutory bodies, and private institutions in South Africa.

British Honours and Awards - Because the British honours system applied in South Africa until 1952, British orders, decorations and medals conferred on South Africans before that date (and those awarded occasionally since then) rank immediately after post-1952 South African awards.

Foreign Honours and Awards - Since the 19th century, many foreign governments have conferred honours on South Africans, sometimes individually, and sometimes collectively, e.g. military units. Presidential approval must be obtained to accept and wear such awards.

Local Authorities - A number of South African municipalities award medals to their uniformed personnel, e.g. firemen and traffic officers, and to local citizens. They may not be worn together with official awards, unless presidential approval has been obtained.

Statutory Bodies - A few statutory bodies, i.e. semi-state organisations established by Acts of Parliament, award medals. They may not be worn together with official awards, unless presidential approval has been obtained.

Private Institutions - Quite a few private institutions award medals to their members amd supporters. They may not be worn together with official decorations and medals.