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

It was established on 16 December 1961 to wage an armed "struggle" against the Nationalist government inside South Africa.

[4] The medal could be awarded to veteran cadres of Umkhonto we Sizwe for thirty years exemplary service.

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

The Service Medal in Gold is a silver-gilt oval medallion with a raised edge, depicting the Umkhonto we Sizwe emblem.