Azanian People's Liberation Army (APLA) Awards

[archie777]

I will start covering the APLA Awards today

[Megan]

Morning, Archie - oh, goodie, looking forwards to it. As soon as 'marking season' is over, I shall revel in this!

[archie777]

Picture from War in Angola.

 

Note the first 2 top left and bottom left award's ribbons, compared to the three merit and three service medal

 

Those three were designed and approved for MK, but the medals and ribbons of 2 were changed by someone

 

All the MK ribbons had 3 vertical stripes compare to APLA's 5

 

Only the middle 2 left, were awarded to both forces

Hi Megan,

 

No problem, I have many more to cover

 

Strong to you

 

Regards

Archie

[archie777]

The Gold Star for Bravery (GSB)

 

Instituted by the President of the Republic of South Africa in April 1996.

 

It was awarded to veteran cadres of the Azanian People's Liberation Army, the military wing of the Pan Africanist Congress, who had distinguished themselves during the "struggle" by performing acts of exceptional bravery in great danger.

 

The first picture is the current ribbon, but it was designed and approved with the second ribbon for MK and not for APLA, but the ribbons and medals were swiched.

[archie777]

The Bravery Star in Silver (BSS)

 

Instituted by the President of the Republic of South Africa in April 1996.

 

It was awarded to veteran cadres of the Azanian People's Liberation Army, the military wing of the Pan Africanist Congress, who had distinguished themselves during "the struggle" by performing acts of bravery.   

 

The first picture is the current ribbon, but it was designed and approved with the second ribbon for MK and not for APLA, but the ribbons and medals were swiched.

[archie777]

The Star for Conspicuous Leadership (SCL)

 

Instituted by the President of the Republic of South Africa in April 1996.

 

It was awarded to veteran cadres of the Azanian People's Liberation Army, the military wing of the Pan Africanist Congress, for distinguished conduct and exceptional combat leadership during the "struggle".

 

It was designed and approved for APLA and not for MK, but the decorations were switched.

[archie777]

The Gold Decoration for Merit (GDM)

 

Instituted by the President of the Republic of South Africa in April 1996.

 

It was awarded to veteran cadres of the Azanian People's Liberation Army, the military wing of the Pan Africanist Congress, for outstanding service and utmost devotion to duty during the "struggle".

[archie777]

The Silver Medal for Merit (SMM)

 

Instituted by the President of the Republic of South Africa in April 1996.

 

It was awarded to veteran cadres of the Azanian People's Liberation Army, the military wing of the Pan Africanist Congress, for exceptionally meritorious service and particular devotion to duty during the "struggle".

[archie777]

The Bronze Medal for Merit (BMM)

 

Instituted by the President of the Republic of South Africa in April 1996.

 

It was awarded to veteran cadres of the Azanian People's Liberation Army, the military wing of the Pan Africanist Congress, for service of a high order during the "struggle".

[archie777]

The Gold Service Medal 

 

Instituted by the President of the Republic of South Africa in April 1996.

 

It was awarded to veteran cadres of the Azanian People's Liberation Army, the military wing of the Pan Africanist Congress, for thirty years service.

[archie777]

The Silver Service Medal

 

Instituted by the President of the Republic of South Africa in April 1996.

 

It could be awarded to veteran cadres of the Azanian People's Liberation Army, the military wing of the Pan Africanist Congress, for twenty years exemplary service.

[archie777]

The Bronze Service Medal 

 

Instituted by the President of the Republic of South Africa in April 1996.

 

It was awarded to veteran cadres of the Azanian People's Liberation Army, the military wing of the Pan Africanist Congress, for ten years of exemplary service.

[archie777]

The Operational Medal for Southern Africa 

 

Instituted by the President of the Republic of South Africa in 1998.

 

It was awarded to veteran cadres of Umkhonto we Sizwe and the Azanian People's Liberation Army for operational service outside South Africa during the "struggle".

[archie777]

The South Africa Service Medal 

 

Instituted by the President of the Republic of South Africa in 1998.

 

It was awarded to veteran cadres of Umkhonto we Sizwe and the Azanian People's Liberation Army for operational service inside South Africa during the "struggle",

[Marcon1]

Hi Archie,

 

How is your knowledge concerning the medals issued by the department of veterans ??

 

A series of decorations and medals was instituted for military veterans in 2012. To date, they appear to have been awarded only to uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) veterans. How they relate to the decorations for the former liberation armies is unclear.

 

Any information or pictures regarding the different medals and their ribbons would be much appreciated as my information is really basic (incl. pictures of medals I do not know).

 

With thanks, Marcon1.

[archie777]

Hi Marco,

 

Unfortunately no information, but my friend designed them and I will try to see if he have any information for me.

 

I hope that you could use some of my pictures?

 

Regards

Archie

[Megan]

I certainly can!!!

 

Thank you so much, Archie...I started on South Africa last year, ferreting around for whatever I could find, then you suddenly pop up with perfect timing and a deluge of information and images.

 

Pottering alomg with a 'medal a night'but once the marking season is over I shall really have fun!

[archie777]

Hi Megan, 

 

I'm glad I can help and hope for many more

 

Strongs and let me know where I can help again

 

Regards

Archie

[Marcon1]

Hi Archie,

 

I have seen a lot of pictures (mostly Homelands but also some SA medals) that I could use and have added to my information.

The more variations you show the more I can use.

So, thanks and keep them coming.

 

Regards, Marcon1.

[archie777]

Hi Marco,

 

I will do that and I'm glad that I can help 

 

Regards

Archie