The iPhrothiya yeGolide - Golden Protea, post-nominal letters PG, was instituted by the President of the Republic of South Africa on 16 April 2003 and came into effect on 27 April 2003. It can be awarded to all ranks who have distinguished themselves by exceptional leadership or exceptional meritorious service and the utmost devotion to duty. It is South Africa's highest existing military decoration for meritorious conduct.
The South African military
The Union Defence Forces (UDF) were established in 1912 and renamed the South African Defence Force (SADF) in 1958. On 27 April 1994, it was integrated with six other independent forces into the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).
Institution
The iPhrothiya yeGolide - Golden Protea, post-nominal letters PG, was instituted by the President on 16 April 2003 and came into effect on 27 April 2003, to replace the Southern Cross Decoration (SD) and Pro Merito Decoration (PMD). The bilingual title of the decoration is in isiZulu and English.
Award criteria
The decoration can be awarded to all ranks of the South African National Defence Force and of any Auxiliary Service of the SANDF, and of any Armed Forces attached to or serving with or rendering any service to the SANDF, who have distinguished themselves by exceptional leadership or exceptional meritorious service and the utmost devotion to duty. The decoration is the senior of a set of three military decorations for merit, along with the iPhrothiya yeSiliva – Silver Protea and the iPhrothiya yeBhronzi - Bronze Protea.
;Exceptional Leadership
- More than usual, exceptional, unique.
- Aptitude, talent, ability, sharp-witted.
- Creativity.
- Ability to persevere.
;Outstanding Service of Highest Order
- Service of vital importance/permanent significance for the SANDF.
- Outside normal routine.
- Consistent quality of work.
- Unselfishness.
- Positive effect in the organisation.
- Distinguishes him-/herself from others.
- Visible and measurable results at a national or interdepartmental level.
;Outstanding Service
- Positive conduct sheet.
- Creativity.
- Innovation.
- Initiative.
Order of wear
The position of the iPhrothiya yeGolide – Golden Protea in the official military and national orders of precedence is as follows:
x37px|Gold Decoration for Merit (GDM) x37px|iPhrothiya yeGolide (PG) x37px|Van Riebeeck Medal (VRM)
;Official military order of precedence:
- Preceded by the Gold Decoration for Merit (GDM) of the Azanian People's Liberation Army.
- Succeeded by the Van Riebeeck Medal (VRM) of the Republic of South Africa.
;Official national order of precedence:
- Preceded by the Gold Decoration for Merit (GDM) of the Azanian People's Liberation Army.
- Succeeded by the Star of South Africa, Officer (OSSA) of the Republic of South Africa.
Description
;Obverse
The iPhrothiya yeGolide - Golden Protea is a six-pointed star, struck in silver-gilt and displaying a stylised protea, South Africa's national flower, on a blue hexagon in the centre.
|data-sort-value="5"|Col
|0132
|
|Inf Fmn
|SA Army
|-
|Lechoenyo, Solomon Sehularo NS MMM
|data-sort-value="6"|Lt Col
|0133
|
|5 SFR
|SA Army
|-
|}
Note 1: denotes a posthumous award.