The Order of the Star of South Africa was instituted by the Republic of South Africa on 1 July 1975. The decorations of the order were awarded by the State President and, from 1994, the President of South Africa to general and flag officers of the South African Defence Force for services concerning national defence and security. It replaced the Star of South Africa decoration of 1952. A civilian division was added in 1978.South African Medal Website - SA Defence Force : 1975-2003 (Accessed 30 April 2015)Republic of South Africa Government Gazette no. 15093, Pretoria, 3 September 1993Republic of South Africa Government Gazette Vol. 457, no. 25213, Pretoria, 25 July 2003Republic of South Africa Government Gazette Vol. 477, no. 27376, Pretoria, 11 March 2005,
