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

[1][2] The medal could be awarded to all ranks for service in defence of Venda or in the prevention or suppression of terrorism.

[1][2] Since the General Service Medal 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.

[1] The General Service Medal is a disk struck in bronze, 38 millimetres in diameter, depicting an elephant's head above two crossed battle-axes.

[6] Conferment of the General Service Medal was discontinued when the Republic of Venda ceased to exist on 27 April 1994.