The iPhrothiya yeSiliva - Silver Protea, post-nominal letters PS, 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 outstanding leadership or outstanding meritorious service and particular devotion to duty. It is South Africa's second 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 yeSiliva - Silver Protea, post-nominal letters PS, was instituted by the President on 16 April 2003 and came into effect on 27 April 2003, to replace the Southern Cross Medal (SM) and Pro Merito Medal (PMM). The bilingual title of the decoration is in siSwati and English.
;Outstanding Leadership
- More than usual.
- Aptitude, talent, ability.
- Creativity.
- Ability to persevere.
;Outstanding Meritorious Service
- Positive and visible permanent results for the SANDF, at least on the level of significant benefit to the Service.
- Unusual achievement/performance.
- Particular contribution.
- Example or role model.
- Positive conduct sheet.
- Initiative.
;Particular devotion to duty
- Single occasion or over a period of time.
- Special.
- Outstanding.
- Remarkable.
Order of wear
The position of the iPhrothiya yeSiliva - Silver Protea in the official military and national orders of precedence is as follows:
x37px|Silver Medal for Merit (SMM) x37px|iPhrothiya yeSiliva (PS) x37px|Danie Theron Medal (DTM)
;Official military order of precedence:
- Preceded by the of the Azanian People's Liberation Army.
- Succeeded by the of the Republic of South Africa.
;Official national order of precedence:
- Preceded by the of the Azanian People's Liberation Army.
- Succeeded by the of the Republic of South Africa.
Description
;Obverse
The iPhrothiya yeSiliva - Silver Protea is a six-pointed star, struck in silver and displaying a stylised protea, South Africa's national flower, on a blue hexagon in the centre.
|data-sort-value="5"|Col
|371
|
|SASFB HQ
|SA Army
|-
|Mahasa, Matlole Othniel
|data-sort-value="15"|Sgt
|353
|
|1 PB
|SA Army
|-
|Mogorosi, Andrew Ntebaleng
|data-sort-value="16"|Cpl
|354
|
|1 PB
|SA Army
|-
|Seakamela, Mokgadi Darius
|data-sort-value="16"|Cpl
|355
|
|1 PB
|SA Army
|-
|Molora, Sello Daniel
|data-sort-value="17"|L Cpl
|357
|
|1 PB
|SA Army
|-
|Tsheke, Lukas Mohapi
|data-sort-value="17"|L Cpl
|358
|
|1 PB
|SA Army
|-
|Dlamini, Xolani
|data-sort-value="18"|Rfn
|359
|
|1 PB
|SA Army
|-
|Lebatlang, Lesego Maxwell Hertzog
|data-sort-value="18"|Rfn
|360
|
|1 PB
|SA Army
|-
|Matsheka, Karabo Edwin
|data-sort-value="18"|Rfn
|364
|
|1 PB
|SA Army
|-
|Msenga, Khomotso Paul
|data-sort-value="18"|Rfn
|367
|
|1 PB
|SA Army
|-
|Ngaleka, Vusumzi Joseph
|data-sort-value="18"|Rfn
|368
|
|1 PB
|SA Army
|-
|Phirimana, Thabiso Anthon
|data-sort-value="18"|Rfn
|373
|
|1 PB
|SA Army
|-
|Thulo, Maleisane Samuel
|data-sort-value="18"|Rfn
|372
|
|1 PB
|SA Army
|-
|}
Note 1: denotes a posthumous award.