History

The UNITAS Medal was instituted by Nelson Mandela, President of the Republic of South Africa, on November 4, 1994. The Bronze Medal was created to commemorate the unification of South Africa's Defence and Armed Forces on April 24, 1994. The Medal was awarded to all ranks of military forces and to members of some civilian forces who provided service during South Africa's first non-racial elections during April 27 and May 10, 1994. Members of the British Military Advisory Team in South Africa who were recipient's of the Medal were granted permission to wear the Medal by Queen Elizabeth II. The Medal was discontinued on April 27, 2003.

The Medal features inscriptions of the word "UNITY" in 10 different languages on the reverse.

The Medal may also have been awarded posthumously.