Ciskei Defence Force

When the Ciskei homeland was declared independent in December 1981, it established a composite military/ police/ prisons service under a Department of State Security. The military branch was separated, to form the Ciskei Defence Force (CDF), in June 1983, and was incorporated into the new SA National Defence Force in April 1994.

A series of decorations and medals was instituted for the CDF in 1988. They all became obsolete in April 1994.

Cross for Valour (CCV)
Insignia: A silver cross with a lion's head in the centre, and a wreath of leaves between the arms.

Cross for Gallantry
Insignia: Similar to the CCV, but with a leopard's head in the centre.

Sandile Decoration (Military) (SD)
Insignia: A circular silver medal depicting the CDF's eagle emblem in a laurel wreath.

Cross for Bravery (CCB)
Insignia: Similar to the CCV, but in bronze, and with a crane bird in the centre.

Pro Merito Decoration (PMD)
Insignia: A circular gold-coloured medal displaying the Ciskei coat of arms and the name of the medal.

Sandile Medal (SM)
Insignia: Similar to the Sandile Decoration.

Pro Merito Medal (PMM)

CDF Commendation Medal
Insignia: A circular bronze medal displaying the CDF's eagle emblem and the name of the medal.

Ciskei Defence Medal
Insignia: A circular bronze medal displaying a Xhosa shield on crossed spears, with a spray of leaves on each side (obverse).

CDF Long Service Medal
For 20 years faithful service.

Insignia: A silver medal.

CDF Long Service Medal
For 10 years faithful service.

Insignia: A bronze medal displaying the Ciskei coat of arms (obverse).

President's Medal for Shooting (1988-94)

Insignia: A circular silver medal displaying two crossed rifles within a wreath.