[1] The military Order of the Star of South Africa, established in 1975 and conferred on general and flag officers in two classes, was named after the first large diamond to be found in South Africa, the Star of South Africa that was found on the banks of the Orange River in 1869 and that sparked the New Rush, leading to the establishment of Kimberley.

[3] The Star of South Africa, Commander, post-nominal letters CSSA, is the third highest decoration of these five civil honours.

It was also bestowed on foreign military attachés for excellent meritorious service.

[1] The five non-military classes of the Order of the Star of South Africa are:[1][2] The position of the Star of South Africa, Commander in the official order of precedence was revised twice after 1978 to accommodate the inclusion or institution of new decorations and medals, first with the integration process of 1994 and again with the institution of a new set of awards in 2002.

[1] Conferment of the decoration was discontinued on 6 December 2002 when a new set of national orders was instituted.