The Gallantry Cross, Silver, post-nominal letters GCS, was instituted by the President of the Republic of Venda in 1985, for award to all ranks for courage or bravery or valour beyond the normal call of duty.

[1][2] The 900 member Venda Defence Force (VDF) was established upon that country's independence on 13 September 1979.

[1] The cross could be awarded to all ranks for courage or bravery or valour beyond the normal call of duty.

[2] Since the Gallantry Cross, Silver was authorised for wear by one of the statutory forces which came to be part of the South African National Defence Force on 27 April 1994, it was accorded a position in the official South African order of precedence on that date.

[6] Conferment of the Gallantry Cross, Silver was discontinued when the Republic of Venda ceased to exist on 27 April 1994.