South African prisons decorations

An overview of South African prisons service decorations and medals, which form part of the South African honours system.

In 1955, the department adopted military ranks, and in 1959 its uniformed branch was named the South African Prisons Service.

The department had only one medal: Until 1952, it was incorporated into the British honours system, as used in South Africa.

After South Africa became a republic (in 1961), the government established new decorations and medals for the various services.

In 1996, the department discontinued its military ranks and culture, including its decorations and medals.