SA Military gets new insignia
Date: 17 August 2002
The SA National Defence Force is set to adopt a new system of rank insignia for all four its services at a parade on September 2.
The new insignia would reflect the national coat of arms adopted in 2000. Many of the current insignia still reflected the 1910 coat of arms.
The Navy would lose the "Lion of Nassau" but would gain a "South Africa" moniker on their shoulder straps. The Army and Military Health Service's insignia would remain largely intact but would now incorporate the secretary bird and sun design found on the coat of arms. The most radical departure is for the SA Air Force, which was adopting stripes in place of its existing stars. The designation of the wearer remains the same, however.
The military would shortly also adopt a new set of medals and decorations to replace those left over from the SA Defence Force, the former TBVC states and the liberation armies. The SA Police Service adopted new insignia in 1995.
SAPA
See 'Personnel - Rank Insignia' for the new insignia.
