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.

[1] The Azanian People's Liberation Army (APLA) was the para-military wing of the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC).

[4] The medal could be awarded to veteran cadres of the Azanian People's Liberation Army for thirty years service.

[1] The position of the Gold Service Medal in the official military and national orders of precedence was revised upon the institution of a new set of honours on 27 April 2003, but it remained unchanged.

The Gold Service Medal is a silver-gilt oval medallion with a raised edge, depicting the Azanian People's Liberation Army emblem.