Government South AfricaInvestigativeSouth Africa

Order of Mendi for Bravery: Honouring South Africa’s Ultimate Acts of Heroism

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Mendi

The Mendi Decoration for Bravery

The Decoration is awarded to South African citizens who have performed an extraordinary act of bravery that placed their lives in great danger, or who lost their own lives including in trying to save the life of another person, or by saving property, in or outside the Republic of South Africa.


Organisation

This Order can be awarded in three categories:

  • Category 1 = Gold
  • Category 2 = Silver
  • Category 3 = Bronze.

Symbolism/design elements

Central motif/symbolism

The shield, made from animal hide, particularly cattle, is processed and woven into an oval product of a very rigid surface and finished off with a wooden handle. The knobkierrie and the kpear complement the khield, which is given to visitors who come into our country from all over the world as a symbolic gesture of goodwill.

Elements

The shield
1. The SS Mendi – represents the courage of many black South African soldiers and their fellow white officers who drowned aboard the SS Mendi. The ship sank after being struck and almost cut in half by the SS Darro in the cold waters of the English Channel near the Isle of Wight on 21 February 1917. They were on their way to France to assist the British during the First World War.
2. The blue crane – the flight of the blue crane in the ocean skies above the SS Mendi symbolises the souls of the drowned brave soldiers. The blue crane’s feathers were traditionally conferred to adorn brave warriors during colonial wars.
3. The green emerald – the core from which the three pointers emerge represents the way ahead in rendering assistance to those in need during natural disasters and other extreme difficulties that take place from time to time around the globe.

The holding shape
4. Lion – as a symbol of beauty, power and bravery, it is represented by its spoors around the edges of the holding shape. This indicates border patrols, within and beyond our country, by dedicated and brave South Africans. The three geographical pointers are represented by the integration of the flowers of the bitter aloe, an indigenous South African plant symbolic of resilience, survival and medicinal value.
5. Knobkierie and spear – complement the shield as symbols of defence and honour.

mendi
Neck badge

mendi
Lapel rosette

mendi
Miniature



The Order of Mendi for Bravery (originally known as the Mendi Decoration for Bravery) is one of South Africa’s highest civilian honours, established to recognize acts of extraordinary courage displayed by South African citizens domestically or abroad. Instituted on 30 November 2003 and elevated to “Order” status in October 2004, it commemorates the tragedy of the SS Mendi and honors its legacy :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.

Contents

1. Historical Background & the SS Mendi

On 21 February 1917, the troopship SS Mendi sank off the Isle of Wight after a collision with the SS Darro, resulting in the tragic loss of more than 600 black South African soldiers en route to France :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}. As the ship sank, soldiers reportedly performed a traditional death drill—singing and dancing together in solidarity and dignity :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}. This heroism and sacrifice inspired the nation’s top civilian bravery honour.

2. Eligibility and Award Criteria

The Order is conferred on:

  • South African citizens who have performed acts of bravery that place their lives in grave danger.
  • Those who risk or lose their lives to save others or property.
  • Bravery acts can occur either within South Africa or globally :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.

3. Classes: Gold, Silver, Bronze

ClassPostnominalsCriteria
GoldOMBGConspicuous bravery involving great personal risk or where life was lost.
SilverOMBSExceptional bravery with serious danger to life.
BronzeOMBBOutstanding bravery; lives endangered in the act.

These align with the Department of Sport, Arts & Culture and official warrant guidelines :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.

4. Symbolism & Design Elements

The design embodies both South African cultural symbols and the SS Mendi’s legacy:

  • Shield shape: Oval cattle-hide African shield.
  • SS Mendi image: Evokes the courage of those aboard :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
  • Blue crane: Symbol of the souls of the drowned soldiers; crane feathers were awarded to colonial-era warriors :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
  • Green emerald: Represents hope and guidance during crises.
  • Bitter aloe flowers: Indigenous symbol of resilience and medicinal healing.
  • Lion pawprints border: Embodied courage, vigilance, and protection :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
  • Crossed assegai & knobkierie: Traditional weapons symbolizing defence and honour.

5. Insignia Components

Recipients receive three items:

  1. Neck badge: Medal in gold/silver/bronze hung from a ribbon.
  2. Miniature: Smaller identical version for lapel wear.
  3. Lapel rosette: Worn for formal occasions :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.

6. Notable Recipients

Since its inception, 67 citizens and select groups have been awarded, including:

  • 2003: Military units from SAAF and Navy (Oceanos rescue, Mozambique floods).
  • 2005-2023: Civilian and liberation heroes like Solomon Mahlangu, Mpumelelo Washington Bongco, Gcinisizwe Sylvester Kondile, and recent heroes saving lives in emergencies :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.

7. Award Process & Administration

Administered by the President via the Chancery of National Orders:

  • Nomination and vetting through police/inquiries conducted by the Chancery :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
  • Awarded or posthumously honoured by the President, with certificate and numbered insignia :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
  • Can be revoked or reinstated based on conduct :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.

8. Cultural & National Significance

The Order serves multiple roles:

  • A living memorial to the SS Mendi tragedy and its fallen soldiers.
  • Encourages national unity, valor, and reconciliation.
  • Complements other national orders like the Order of Luthuli and Order of Mapungubwe.

10. Frequently Asked Questions

Can this be awarded to foreign citizens? No — eligibility is restricted to South African citizens, although acts abroad qualify :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}. Are military personnel eligible? Yes — although civilian in nature, military units have received awards for rescue operations in 1991 and 2001 :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}. What do the post-nominals mean? OMBG (Gold), OMBS (Silver), OMBB (Bronze). How is this different from earlier bravery awards? Replaced the earlier Woltemade Cross for Bravery (ended 2003), featuring indigenous symbolism and modern relevance :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.

Last updated: 2025‑07‑22

Post-Content Table of Contents

SectionDescription
1. HistorySS Mendi tragedy and order origins
2. EligibilityWho qualifies and under what circumstances
3. ClassesGold, Silver, Bronze defined
4. DesignDetailed symbolism of the medal
5. InsigniaNeck badge, miniature, rosette
6. RecipientsNotable awardees since 2003
7. AdministrationAward process, nomination, revocation
8. SignificanceCultural & national impact
9. LinksRelated orders and sources
10. FAQCommon questions answered

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