It was awarded to general and flag officers of the South African Defence Force for exceptionally meritorious service of major military significance.

[1][7] The Star of South Africa, Silver was awarded to general and flag officers for exceptionally meritorious service of major military significance.

[2] The position of the Star of South Africa, Silver in the official order of precedence was revised twice after 1975, to accommodate the inclusion or institution of new decorations and medals, upon the integration into the South African National Defence Force in 1994 and again with the institution of a new set of awards in 2003.

[2] Recipients also wear a silver breast star with eight multi-rayed points, which displays the obverse of the decoration in its centre.

The reverse of the breast star has the pre-1994 South African Coat of Arms in the centre, with the silver hallmark below it.