[1] Instituted on 30 November 2003,[2] it was originally called the Mendi Decoration for Bravery and was renamed as an order on 22 October 2004.

The order is named after a World War I troopship, the SS Mendi, which sank after a collision in 1917, killing more than 600 black South African troops.

On the obverse is an image of the SS Mendi with a blue crane flying overhead, sealed above by a green emerald which is surrounded on three sides by depictions of the bitter aloe.

Behind the shield are a crossed assegai and knobkierrie, and the whole design is surrounded by a border decorated with lion pawprints.

In addition to the neck badge, the award comprises a miniature medallion and a lapel rosette.