The Service Medal in Bronze was instituted by the President of the Republic of South Africa in April 1996.

It was awarded to veteran cadres of Umkhonto we Sizwe, the military wing of the African National Congress, for ten years service.

[4] The medal was authorised for awarding to veteran cadres of uMkhonto we Sizwe for ten years service.

[1][4] The position of the Service Medal in Bronze in the official military and national orders of precedence was revised upon the institution of a new set of honours on 27 April 2003.

[1][7][8][9][10] Conferment of the Service Medal in Bronze was discontinued upon the institution of a new set of honours on 27 April 2003.