It was the second highest honour to be bestowed by the government of the Republic of Malawi under Hastings Banda's presidential dictatorship (1966-94).

[1] The order consisted of five classes plus a medal, to be awarded "For distinguished and outstanding services to the people of Malawi".

[2] Banda announced the creation of the order, as well as a number of other new awards, in July 1966, as Malawi was declared a republic.

The medals of higher grades of the order feature the same medallion, superimposed onto a green enameled cross.

The Grand Commander's badge features twelve rays extending between the points of a twelve-pointed star, and the Grand Officer's badge features a ten-pointed star with points alternating in length, and is itself superimposed on an inverted pentagon.