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

It could be awarded to veteran cadres of the Azanian People's Liberation Army, the military wing of the Pan Africanist Congress, for twenty years exemplary service.

[1] The Azanian People's Liberation Army (APLA) was the para-military wing of the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC).

[4] The medal could be awarded to veteran cadres of the Azanian People's Liberation Army for twenty years exemplary service.

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