Obverse:
A crowned effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, facing right, and inscribed around the medal are the words ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA FID.DEF.

Reverse:
A depiction of a sable antelope with the year 1980 above it and surrounded by the inscription THE RHODESIA MEDAL.

Ribbon:
Light blue ribbon with three central stripes of red, white and dark blue.