It is South Africa's second highest existing military decoration for meritorious conduct.

[2][4] The iPhrothiya yeSiliva - Silver Protea, post-nominal letters PS, was instituted by the President on 16 April 2003 and came into effect on 27 April 2003, to replace the Southern Cross Medal (SM) and Pro Merito Medal (PMM).

[1] Guidelines consisting of appropriate phrases which may be useful when writing a citation for the award of the iPhrothiya yeSiliva - Silver Protea have been published by the South African Defence Department.

[5] The position of the iPhrothiya yeSiliva - Silver Protea in the official military and national orders of precedence is as follows:[6]

The decoration is attached to a plain silver suspender fixed to the upper point of the star.