| 1978 | Dr. S. Meiring Naude | For contributions to Optical Spectroscopy |
| 1980 | Prof. F.R.N. Nabarro | For contributions to Physics of Crystal Dislocations |
| 1982 | Prof. W.E. Frahn | For contributions to Theory of Nuclear Reactions |
| 1984 | Prof. J.H. van der Merwe | For contributions to Theory of Epitaxial Growth |
| 1986 | Prof. R.H. Lemmer | For contributions to Theory of Nuclear Reactions |
| 1988 | Dr. Johann Carl Vogel | For pioneering work on the natural abundance of isotopes and the application thereof to dating of groundwater supplies and archaeology |
| 1990 | Prof. J.P.F. Sellschop | For contributions to ion beam physics, mineral physics and diamond physics |
| 1992 | Prof. M.W. Feast | For contributions to Astronomy |
| 1992 | Prof. P.H. Stoker | For contributions to Cosmic Research |
| 1994 | Prof. F.J.W. Hahne | For contributions to Theoretical Nuclear Physics |
| 1996 | No Award | |
| 1998 | Prof. A.D.M. Walker | For contributions to physics of the ionosphere |
| 2000 | Prof. Paul de V. du Plessis | |
| 2002 | Prof. Walter Dieter Heiss | For contributions to Quantum Theory |
| 2004 | Prof. Roger Eduoard Raab | For contributions to the theory of Electromagnetic and Optical properties of molecules and crystals |
| 2006 | Prof. John Darrel Comins | For contributions to the study and understanding of the structure of materials, specifically the optical characterisation of structural, vibrational, electronic, and defect properties of solids |
| 2008 | Prof. Krishanlal Bharuth-Ram | For contributions to experimental nuclear physics |
| 2010 | Prof. George Ellis | For contributions to theoretical cosmology |
| 2012 | Prof. Harm Moraal | For his service, contributions and role as an academic, teacher, quality researcher and leader to the South African and International Physics communities |
| 2014 | Prof. Manfred A Hellburg | For his outstanding research career in plasma physics that has earned him international recognition in this field and for the numerous contributions he has made in his service to Physics in South Africa, and, with his significant experience, represented South African Physics internationally |
| 2018 | Prof. Patricia Ann Whitelock | For her outstanding research career in astronomy and astrophysics, and for her distinguished and extensive contributions to leadership, education and human capacity development of the Physics and Astronomy community. |
