With effect from 6 April 1952, when the Star of South Africa and several other new decorations and medals were instituted, these new awards took precedence before all earlier  British decorations and medals awarded to South Africans, with the exception of the Victoria Cross, which still took precedence before all other awards.
From 6 April 1952 onwards, a new set of honors was established in South Africa, which superseded all previous British awards given to South Africans, with the exception of the prestigious Victoria Cross, which retained its seniority.