The Pro Merito Decoration was a South African military decoration. It was instituted on 1 July 1975, and was awarded to "other ranks" (enlisted men) of the South African Defence Force, for outstanding service of the highest order, and utmost devotion to duty. In practice, it was usually a requirement that the recipient must already have been awarded the Pro Merito Medal. The PMD was discontinued with effect from 27 April 2003. The equivalent award for officers was the Southern Cross Decoration. Both have been superseded by the iPhrothiya yeGolide decoration.