Nkwe ya Boronse

The Nkwe ya Boronse (Bronze Leopard) is a South African military decoration issued for bravery. It is South Africa's third of the three classes of the Nkwe Decorations (see also Nkwe ya Gauta and Nkwe ya Selefera decorations).

History
It was instituted with effect from 27 April 2003, and may be awarded to members of the South African National Defence Force (or any other armed forces serving with the SANDF) for bravery during military operations. A bar may be awarded to a recipient who earns the decoration again. The Nkwe ya Boronse (Bronze Leopard) Decoration replaced the Honoris Crux Decoration (Awarded for bravery in danger). Language of origin: SEPEDI

Criteria
The honours for meritorious conduct may be awarded to officers and other ranks of the SANDF who have distinguished themselves by exceptional leadership or exceptional meritorious service and the utmost devotion to duty. A bar may be awarded for a successive similar achievement.

Distinguished Conduct

 * Distinguished above others.
 * Incident/different incidents.
 * Sustained high performance.
 * More than normal.
 * Positive conduct sheet.
 * Creative.
 * Initiative.

Exceptional Combat Leadership

 * Incidents/Deeds depicting outstanding leadership qualities.
 * Result of operation in favour of SANDF.
 * Create trust amongst fellow soldiers.
 * Places a high premium on the prevention of the loss of lives.
 * Careful execution of operational plan.

Wear
The award of the decoration for service in active military operations shall be indicated by distinguishing insignia according to the Service in which the recipient was serving, i.e.
 * Army uniform: Crossed swords
 * Air Force uniform: Eagle
 * Naval uniform: Anchor
 * Military Health Service uniform: Rod of Aesculapius.

A bar may be awarded to a recipient who earns the decoration again. A recipient is entitled to use the post-nominal letters NB.

Description
The decoration is a bronze 5-armed convex cross with rays separating the arms. In the centre is a light blue roundel displaying a leopard's head. The South African coat of arms appears on the reverse. The ribbon is light blue with bronze edges. Light blue represents the feathers of the blue crane bird, which Xhosa kings used to present to brave warriors. An arm-of-service emblem is worn on the ribbon to indicate whether the recipient was serving in the army, Air Force, Navy, or Military Health Service at the time of earning the decoration. Ribbon colour design: BRONZE (Silver) 6mm and SKY BLUE (Blue Crane) 20mm
 * Obverse
 * Reverse
 * Ribbon

The NB forms part of a trio of military decorations for bravery, the others being the Nkwe ya Gauta (Golden Leopard) and the Nkwe ya Selefera (Silver Leopard).