| Zimbabwean Independence Medal, 1980 | |
|---|---|
  Obverse and reverse of the medal in bronze | |
| Type | Commemorative medal |
| Awarded for | Zimbabwean Independence |
 Ribbon of the medal | |
The Zimbabwean Independence Medal, 1980 was instituted on 17 April 1980[1] for award to those who were involved in the Zimbabwean independence process or commemorations in some way.
The medal was awarded in silver and bronze.[1]
The obverse depicts the Zimbabwe Ruins (Great Zimbabwe) in Masvingo Province; crossed gun and hoe; with the date of Zimbabwe's independence, 18 April 1980.
The reverse depicts a Zimbabwe bird rising from the fire.
Ribbon - 38mm divided into seven parts: Green (6mm), Gold (5mm), Red (5mm), Black (6mm), repeated in reverse. Award of a silver medal denoted by Silver rose emblem.[2]
Awarded to any person or group or category of persons nominated by the Prime Minister.[1]
The medal is often seen on its own, but can be found in a pair with the British and Commonwealth Rhodesia Medal, since all recipients of the Rhodesia Medal also received the Zimbabwean Independence Medal.[3] However, British personnel did not have permission to wear it in uniform,[4] while New Zealand granted approval for restricted wear only.[5] With regard to Rhodesian recipients, the Independence Medal is commonly found with the Rhodesian General Service Medal.