History

The Efficiency Medal (South Africa) was established by Royal Warrant on December of 1939. The Silver Medal was awarded to Non-Commissioned Officers and other ranks of the Coast Garrison and Active Citizen Forces of South Africa in recognition of 12 years of service. Service during wartime counted as double. The Medal was replaced by the John Chard Medal in 1952.

A clasp featuring a superimposed crown was awarded to denote an additional 6 years of service, and a silver rosette may be worn on the ribbon to denote the award of a clasp when the ribbon is worn alone.

The Medal features a suspension scroll with the Afrikaans and English inscription, "UNION OF SOUTH AFRICA UNIE VON USID-AFRIKA," as well as a bi-lingual reverse inscription.

There may be additional versions of the Medal.