[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, Grand Cross, post-nominal letters SSA, is the senior decoration of these five civil honours.

[2][6] The position of the Star of South Africa, Grand Cross in the order of precedence remained unchanged, as it was on 27 April 1994, when a new series of orders, decorations and medals was instituted on 27 April 2003.

[1] Recipients also wear a gold breast star with eight multi-rayed points that displays the obverse of the decoration in its centre.

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