History of South African Flags & Coat of Arms

1902–1910

The South African Republic

Vierkleur

The Second Anglo-Boer War between 1899 and 1902 ended with the Treaty of Vereeniging on 31 May 1902 and resulted in what is now South Africa falling under the British Union Flag. The former Boer Republics of the Orange Free State and the Zuid-Afrikaanse Republiek (Transvaal) became British colonies along with the existing Cape and Natal colonies. Each was also entitled to a colonial flag following in the British tradition.

1910–1928

Main article: South Africa Red Ensign

On 31 May 1910 these four colonies came together to form the Union of South Africa and the individual colonial flags were no longer used and new South African flags came into being. Once again, as a British dominion the British Union Flag was to continue as the national flag and the standard British ensign pattern was used as a basis for distinctive South African flags.

As was the case throughout the British Empire, the Red and Blue Ensigns were the official flags for merchant and government vessels at sea, and the British Admiralty authorised them to be defaced in the fly with the shield from the South African coat of arms.These ensigns were not intended to be used as the Union's national flag, although they were used by some people as such. Although these ensigns were primarily intended for maritime use, they were also flown on land.

The South Africa Red Ensign was South Africa's de facto national flag between 1910 and 1928 and was flown at times from Government buildings.
The design of the Red Ensign was modified slightly in 1912 when the shield was placed on a white disc so as to make it more distinguishable. The Red Ensign continued to be used as the flag of the South African merchant marine until 1951.
A variant of South Africa Red Ensign with the full coat of arms of South Africa on a white disc. Commonly flown by civilians.
The Blue Ensign was flown over the Union's offices abroad between 1910 and 1928.

These flags never enjoyed much popular support due to the animosities lingering after the Anglo-Boer War – the Afrikaner descendants of the Dutch settlers from the former Boer Republics saw it as a British flag, and the English-speakers saw it was not the Union Flag alone

1928–1994

Main article: Flag of South Africa (1928–1994)

Union of South Africa
(1928–1961)
Republic of South Africa
(1961–1994)

Oranje, Blanje, Blou

Use National flag, civil and state ensign

Proportion2:3

Adopted31 May 1928

RelinquishedApril 27, 1994; 30 years ago

Three small flags on the flag of South Africa, used from 1928 to 1982.

Three small flags on the flag of South Africa, used from 1982 to 1994.

The three flags in the centre representing the former British colonies of Cape Colony and Natal with the Union Flag on the left, followed by the flags of the former Boer republics of Orange Free State and the South African Republic on the right. The Union Flag is shown with the hoist on the right.

Due to the lack of popularity of these flags, there were intermittent discussions about the desirability of a more distinctive national flag for South Africa after 1910,: 70 it was only after a coalition government took office in 1925 that a bill was introduced in Parliament to introduce a national flag for the Union. This provoked an often violent controversy that lasted for three years based on whether the British Union Flag should be included in the new flag design or not. The Natal Province even threatened to secede from the Union should it be decided to remove it.

Finally, a compromise was reached that resulted in the adoption of a separate flag for the Union in late 1927 and the design was first hoisted on 31 May 1928. The design was based on the so-called Van Riebeeck flag or "Prince's Flag" (Prinsenvlag in Afrikaans) that was originally the Dutch flag; it consisted of orange, white, and blue horizontal stripes. A version of this flag had been used as the flag of the Dutch East India Company (known as the VOC) at the Cape (with the VOC logo in the centre) from 1652 until 1795. The South African addition to the design was the inclusion of three smaller flags centred in the white stripe. The miniature flags were the British Union Flag (mirrored) towards the hoist, the flag of the Orange Free State hanging vertically in the middle and the Transvaal Vierkleur towards the fly. The position of each of the miniature flags is such that each has equal status. However, to ensure that the Dutch flag in the canton of the Orange Free State flag is placed nearest to the upper hoist of the main flag, the Free State flag must be reversed. The British Union Flag, which is nearest to the hoist and is thus in a more favoured position, is spread horizontally from the Free State flag towards the hoist and is thus also reversed. Although placed horizontally furthest from the hoist, to balance the British Union Flag, the Vierkleur is the only one of the miniature flags which is spread in the same direction as the main flag. This compensates for its otherwise less favourable position. In this arrangement, each of the miniature flags enjoy equal precedence.Note that the miniature flags of the Transvaal Republic and the Orange Free State both contain miniature flags of the Netherlands, while the miniature flag of the United Kingdom is a composition of the flags of England, Scotland and the Anglo-Irish people, making the old South African flag the only former national flag in the world containing five flags within three flags within a flag.

The choice of the Prinsenvlag (which was believed to be the first flag hoisted on South African soil by Jan van Riebeeck of the VOC) as the basis upon which to design the South African flag had more to do with compromise than Afrikaner political desires, since the Prinsenvlag was politically neutral, as it was no longer the national flag of any nation. A further element of this compromise was that the British Union Flag would continue to fly alongside the new South African national flag over official buildings. This dual flag arrangement continued until 1957 when the British Union Flag lost its official status per an Act of Parliament.

Following a referendum the country became a republic on 31 May 1961, but the design of the flag remained unchanged. However, there was intense pressure to change the flag, particularly from Afrikaners who still resented the fact that the British Union Flag was a part of the flag. In 1968, the then Prime Minister, John Vorster, proposed the adoption of a new flag from 1971, to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the declaration of a republic but this never materialised.

Since 2019, public display of this flag in South Africa is considered hate speech (for being a potential symbol of apartheid and white supremacy) and therefore prohibited, with exceptions for artistic, academic and journalistic purposes, as well as for museums & places of historical interest.

Flag from 1928–1982
Flag from 1982–1994

1994–present

South African Ambassador to the U.S. Harry Schwarz presenting the new flag to the U.S. president Bill Clinton and vice president Al Gore in May 1994.

The present South African national flag was first flown on 27 April 1994,the day of the 1994 election. However, the flag was first intended to be an interim flag only, and its design was decided upon only a week beforehand.

The choice of a new flag was part of the negotiation process set in motion when Nelson Mandela was released from prison in 1990. When a nationwide public competition was held in 1993, the National Symbols Commission received more than 7,000 designs.[16] Six designs were shortlisted and presented to the public and the Negotiating Council, but none elicited enthusiastic support. A number of design studios were then contacted to submit further proposals, but these also did not find favour. Parliament went into recess at the end of 1993 without a suitable candidate for the new national flag.

In February 1994, Cyril Ramaphosa and Roelf Meyer, the chief negotiators of the African National Congress and the National Party government of the day respectively, were given the task of resolving the flag issue. A final design was adopted on 15 March 1994, derived from a design developed by the State Herald Fred Brownell, who had also claimed to have previously designed the Namibian flag. This interim flag was hoisted officially for the first time on 27 April 1994, the day when the nation's first fully inclusive elections commenced which resulted in Nelson Mandela being inaugurated as South Africa's first democratically elected president on 10 May 1994. The flag was well received by most South Africans, though a small minority objected to it; hundreds of Afrikaner Volksfront members in Bloemfontein burned the flag in protest a few weeks before the April 1994 elections.

The flag flying at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

The proclamation of the new national flag by South African President F. W. de Klerk was only published on 20 April 1994, a mere seven days before the flag was to be inaugurated, sparking a frantic last-minute flurry for flag manufacturers. As stated in South Africa's post-apartheid interim constitution, the flag was to be introduced on an interim probationary period of five years, after which there would be discussion about whether or not to change the national flag in the final draft of the constitution. The Constitutional Assembly was charged with the responsibility of drafting the country's new constitution and had called for submissions, inter alia, on the issues of its various national symbols. It received 118 submissions recommending the retention of the new flag and 35 suggesting changes to it. Thus on 28 September 1995 it decided that the flag should be retained unchanged and accordingly it was included as Section One of the Constitution of South Africa which came into force in February 1997.

Proper display of the flag

The South African government published guidelines for proper display of the flag at designated flag stations, in Government Notice 510 of 8 June 2001 (Gazette number 22356). These rules apply only to official flag stations and not to the general public.

The Southern African Vexillological Association (SAVA), a non-official association for the study of flags, published their own guide for proper display of the flag in 2002. This guide has no official authority but was drawn up with generally accepted vexillological etiquette and principles in mind.

Official description

An addendum to the Transitional Executive Council agenda (April 1994) described the flag in pseudo-heraldic terms as follows:

The National flag shall be rectangular in the proportion of two in the width to three to the length; per pall from the hoist, the upper band red (chilli) and lower band blue, with a black triangle at the hoist; over the partition lines a green pall one fifth the width of the flag, fimbriated white against the red and blue, and gold against the black triangle at the hoist, and the width of the pall and its fimbriations is one third the width of the flag.

Schedule One of the Constitution of South Africa (1996) replaced the heraldic definition and described the flag in plain English as follows:

The national flag is rectangular; it is one and a half times as long as it is wide.
It is black, gold, green, white, chilli red and blue.
It has a green Y-shaped band that is one fifth as wide as the flag. The centre lines of the band start in the top and bottom corners next to the flag post, converge in the centre of the flag, and continue horizontally to the middle of the free edge.
The green band is edged, above and below in white, and towards the flag post end, in gold. Each edging is one fifteenth as wide as the flag.
The triangle next to the flag post is black.
The upper horizontal band is chilli red and the lower horizontal band is blue. These bands are each one third as wide as the flag.

Historical flags (1652–1928)

National flags (1928–1994)

The Hertzog administration introduced the flag after several years of political controversy. Approved by Parliament in 1927, it was first hoisted on 31 May 1928.
The flag reflected the Union's predecessors. The basis was the Prince's Flag (royal tricolour) of the Netherlands, with the addition of a Union Jack to represent the Cape and Natal, the former Orange Free state flag, and the former South African Republic flag.
Until 1957, the flag was flown subordinate to the British Union Jack.
The flag remained unchanged when South Africa became a republic on 31 May 1961.

Homeland flags (1966–1994)

Nine of the ten Black 'homelands' which were created inside South African Federation under the apartheid system, had their own flags, i.e. Transkei (1966–94), Bophuthatswana (1973–94), Ciskei (1973–94), Gazankulu (1973–94), Venda (1973–94), Lebowa (1974–94), QwaQwa (1975–94), KwaZulu (1977–94), and KwaNdebele (1982–94). KaNgwane was the only homeland that never adopted its own distinctive flag, instead using the national flag of South Africa.
All these flags became obsolete when South Africa reincorporated the homelands on 27 April 1994.

FlagDateUseDescription

1966–1994Transkei

1973–1994Bophuthatswana

1973–1994Ciskei

1973–1994Gazankulu

1973–1994Venda

1974–1994Lebowa

1975–1994QwaQwa

1977–1985KwaZulu (1)

1982–1994KwaNdebele

1985–1994KwaZulu (2)

Sporting flags (1992–1994)

As a result of the sporting boycott of South Africa over its policy of apartheid, South Africa did not participate in the Olympic Games between 1964 and 1988. The country was re-admitted to the Olympic movement in 1991. As a result of a dispute over what flag and national anthem to use following readmission, the team participated in the 1992 Summer Olympic Games under the National Olympic Committee flag. The flag consisted of a white field charged with grey diamond, which represented the countries mineral wealth, three cascading bands of blue, red and green, which represented the sea, the land and agriculture respectively and the Olympic rings.This flag was also used to represent the South African team at the 1992 Summer Paralympics. Team uniforms included the emblem of Olympic Committee of South Africa, which depicted Olympic rings surrounded by olive branches, with the name of the country above. The team would use Beethoven's "Ode to Joy" as its victory anthem at these games. At the 1994 Winter Games, South Africa participated under the flag of its Olympic committee.

Military flags

South African Defence Force

1947–1981
1981–1994

South African National Defence Force

1994–2003
2003–present

National Defence Department

South African Army

1951–1973
1973–1994
1994–2002
2002–2003
2003–present

South African Air Force

1920–1940
1940–1951
1951–1958
1958–1967
1967–1970 (approved but not used)
1970–1981
1981–1982
1982–1994
1994–2003
2003–present

South African Navy

Main article: South African Naval Ensign

Naval ensign, 1922–1946
Naval ensign, 1946–1951
Naval ensign, 1951–1952 (approved but not used)
Naval ensign, 1952–1959
Naval ensign, 1959–1981
Naval ensign, 1981–1994
Naval colour, 1981–1994
Naval ensign, 1994–present
Naval colour, c. 1998

Police flags

South African Police

until 1994

South African Police Service

1995–present

Provincial flags

1910–1994

Between 1910 and 1994, South Africa was divided into four provinces, Cape Province, Natal, Orange Free State and Transvaal. These provinces had their own coat of arms but not their own flags.

1994–present

In April 1994, South Africa was divided into nine provinces. Each province was granted a coat of arms, in most cases designed by State Herald Frederick Brownell. Currently only one province, Mpumalanga, has adopted an official provincial flag, doing so in February 1996. The other eight provinces can be represented by white banners charged with their coats of arms.

Flag of South Africa

For other flags of South Africa, see List of South African flags.

Republic of South Africa

Use Civil and state flag, civil and state ensign

Proportion2:3

Adopted27 April 1994; 30 years ago

DesignA horizontal bicolour of red and blue with a black isosceles triangle based on the hoist-side and a green pall, a central green band that splits into a horizontal Y, centred over the partition lines and was edged in both white against the red and the blue bands and yellow against the triangle, in which the arms of the Y ends at the corners of the hoist and embraces the triangle on the hoist-side.

Designed byFrederick Brownell

South African National Defence Force

Use War flag

Adopted25 April 2003; 21 years ago

South African Naval Ensign

Use Naval ensign

Adopted16 March 1998; 26 years ago

The national flag of South Africa was designed in March 1994 and adopted on 27 April 1994, during South Africa's 1994 general election, to replace the previous flag used from 1928–1994.

The flag has horizontal bands of red (on the top) and blue (on the bottom), of equal width, separated by a central green band which splits into a horizontal "Y" shape, the arms of which end at the corners of the hoist side (and follow the flag's diagonals). The "Y" embraces a black isosceles triangle from which the arms are separated by narrow yellow or gold bands; the red and blue bands are separated from the green band and its arms by narrow white stripes. The stripes at the fly end are in the 5:1:3:1:5 ratio. Three of the flag's colours were taken from the flag of the South African Republic, itself derived from the flag of the Netherlands, as well as the Union Jack, while the remaining three colours were taken from the flag of the African National Congress. Nicknames for the flag include the Seskleur (lit. 'six colour')and the Rainbow Flag.

Colours

At the time of its adoption, the South African flag was the only national flag in the world to comprise six colours in its primary design and without a seal and brocade. The design and colours are a synopsis of principal elements of the country's flag history. The colours themselves have no essential meaning.

ColoursTextile colourPantone equivalentRGB hexadecimalRGB decimalSample

GreenCKS 42 c Spectrum green3415 c#007A4D0, 122, 77

BlackCKS 401 c Blue black#0000000, 0, 0

WhiteCKS 701 c National flag white#FFFFFF255, 255, 255

GoldCKS 724 c Gold yellow1235 c#FFB612255, 182, 18

RedCKS 750 c Chilli red179 c#DE3831222, 56, 49

BlueCKS 762 c National flag blueReflex blue c#0023950, 35, 149

Symbolism

According to official South African government information, the South African flag is "a synopsis of principal elements of the country's flag history." Although different people may attribute personal symbolism to the individual colours or colour combinations, "no universal symbolism should be attached to any of the colours." The only symbolism in the flag is the V or Y shape, which can be interpreted as "the convergence of diverse elements within South African society, taking the road ahead in unity". Frederick Gordon Brownell who created the flag has said that the green Y-shaped part of the flag was influenced by the chasubles worn by Anglican priests, and stated that he was influenced to include it as he grew up Anglican.

From time to time explanations of the meanings or symbolism of the flag's colours are published in various media, including official government publications and speeches by government officials.

The flag consists of the four colours of the Vierkleur, expanded by the addition of black and gold signifying South Africa's mineral wealth. Three of the colours – black, green and gold – are found in the flag of the African National Congress. The other three – red, white and blue – are used in the modern flag of the Netherlands and the flag of the United Kingdom; the colours white and blue were also found in the old flag of South Africa. Former South African President F.W. de Klerk, who proclaimed the new flag on 20 April 1994, stated in his autobiography, The Last Trek: a New Beginning, that chilli red was chosen instead of plain red (which Anglo-Africans would have preferred) or orange (as some Afrikaners would have preferred).

Proposed flags

Flags proposed in the 1910s

1910 proposal (white)
1910 proposal (red)

Flags proposed in the 1920s

Flags from the 1925/1926 Public Flag Competition

The government of South Africa opened a competition open to the public. While the "Walker Flag" had some support, ultimately none of the designs were chosen.

Proposal for the Flag of South Africa, 1926, Four-Color Version, the "Walker Flag"
Proposal for the Flag of South Africa, Boxes Version
Proposal for the Flag of South Africa, Orange Cross Version
Proposal for the Flag of South Africa, Southern Cross Stripes Version
Proposal for the Flag of South Africa, Southern Cross Circle Version
Proposal for the Flag of South Africa, Bordered Version
Proposal for the Flag of South Africa, Five Colors with White Stripes Version
Proposal for the Flag of South Africa, Five Colors with Boxes Version
Proposal for the Flag of South Africa, Six Stripes NL Version
Proposal for the Flag of South Africa, Checkered Version
Proposal for the Flag of South Africa, Six Stripes Version
Proposal for the Flag of South Africa, Six Stripes with Box Version

Flags from the 1927 Flag Commission

In 1927, the government set up a flag commission, which came up with three designs, the "Cross Flags". Due to the opposition insisting on the Union Jack being featured, the commission created three more designs at the Flag Conference in April and May of 1927.

Proposal for the Flag of South Africa, 1927, Red Cross Version
Proposal for the Flag of South Africa, 1927, White Cross Version
Proposal for the Flag of South Africa, 1927, Green Version
Committee proposal 1
Committee proposal 2
Committee proposal 3

Flags put forward in 1927 by SAP, Government, and Senate

In June of 1927, the South African Party proposed a flag with four elements divided by a white cross, and the government proposed a version with a shield defacing the Prinsenvlag. The Senate then combined elements from both into a third proposal. Finally, in October of 1927, a compromise was reached and the Flag of South Africa (1928–1994) was introduced.

Proposal for the Flag of South Africa, 1927, Four Quadrants Version proposed by the South African Party
1927 proposal by the government
1927 proposal by the Senate

Flags proposed in the 1960s

In the 1960s, there was pressure to change the flag, particularly from Afrikaners who resented the fact that the Union Flag was a part of the flag. The then prime minister, Dr Hendrik Verwoerd, had his assistant secretary, HC Blatt, design a "clean" flag, comprising three vertical stripes of orange, white, and blue, with a leaping springbok over a wreath of six proteas in the centre, designed, but he was assassinated before he could introduce it, and the project died with him in 1966.

Proposal for the Flag of South Africa, 1965, the "Verwoerd Flag"

Flags proposed in the 1990s

1992 Contest by the "Natal Witness"

The Natal Witness newspaper held a competition for a new flag design, which was won by Lalsingh Ramlukan with a design featuring four cupped hands and a blue dove.

Designs shortlisted by the Commission on National Symbols

The Commission on National Symbols proposed six designs in October 1993.

Proposal 1
Proposal 2
Proposal 3
Proposal 4
Proposal 5
Proposal 6

Designs Proposed Graphic design studios

A group of professional graphic design studios proposed several flag designs in November 1993.

Designs shortlisted by the Joint Technical Working Committee

The Joint Technical Working Committee shortlisted 5 designs in February 1994. A further design was proposed also by the African National Congress (ANC) based on a design shortlisted in October 1993. Proposal 4, designed by State Herald Frederick Brownell, was submitted to the Transitional Executive Council and approved as the final choice for the new flag.

Proposal 1
Proposal 2
Proposal 3
Proposal 4
Proposal 5
Proposal by ANC

The South African Flag – History, Meaning, Colour & Designer
National Flag

The South African flag is one of the National symbols that makes the country unique in its own way. A national flag is used to represent a country without having to use its name. The flag of South Africa is flown at the front of all government buildings. Individuals and private organizations like banks have also taken the liberty of flying the national symbol. Brief History of South African Flag The flag of South Africa was designed by the then State Herald of South Africa Frederick Brownell in March 1994 and was adopted on 27 April 1994, at the beginning of South Africa’s 1994 general election. This was done to replace the flag that had been used since 1928. The present South African national flag was first flown on 27 April 1994, which was the day of South Africa’s 1994 election. Choosing a new flag was part of the negotiation process that was set in place when Nelson Mandela was in 1990 released from prison.

Who Designed South African Flag – Frederick Brownell For those of us who do not know and have been researching about this, the South African Flag was designed by Frederick Brownell who was the then State Herald of South Africa. It was designed in March 1994. Frederick matriculated from St. Andrew’s School in Bloemfontein in 1957 and was 54 years of age when he designed the flag. He has designed many coats of arms, badges and flags, including the arms and the flag of Namibia in 1990. Brownell was awarded the Order for Meritorious Service by President Nelson Mandela in 1999 for his role in designing the South African flag.

Colours of Flag of South Africa The South African flag has six colours: Green, Black, White, Gold, Blue and Red. Green represents natural wealth, while white represents peace. The design and colours of the South African flag are a synopsis of principal elements of the country’s flag history. The colours actually do not have any essential meaning. Black, Green and Gold yellow are found in the flag of the African National Congress. Red, White and Blue are used in the modern flag of the Netherlands and the flag of the United Kingdom; the colours white and blue were also found in the old flag of South Africa.

Description of Flag of South Africa The national flag is rectangular; it is one and a half times as long as it is wide. It is black, gold, green, white, chilli red and blue. It has a green Y-shaped band that is one fifth as wide as the flag. The centre lines of the band start in the top and bottom corners next to the flag post, converge in the centre of the flag and continue horizontally to the middle of the free edge. The green band is edged, above and below in white, and towards the flag post end, in gold. Each edging is one-fifteenth as wide as the flag. The triangle next to the flag post is black. The upper horizontal band is chilli red and the lower horizontal band is blue. These bands are each one third as wide as the flag .

South African National Symbols and Their Meaning History No Comments Share Tweet 0 Shares South Africa uses a range of national symbols to identify the country which includes: National flag, National Anthem, National Bird, National Animal, National Fish, National Flower, Coat of Arms and National Orders. According to Wikipedia, a national symbol is a symbol of any entity considering itself and manifesting itself to the world as a national community: the sovereign states but also nations and countries in a state of colonial or other dependence, (con)federal integration, or even an ethnocultural community considered a ‘nationality’ despite having no political autonomy. Through this post, we will be taking a look at the South African National Symbols one by one.

THE FLAG

The flag of South Africa was designed by the then State Herald of South Africa Frederick Brownell in March 1994 and was adopted on 27 April 1994, at the beginning of South Africa’s 1994 general election. The South African flag has six colours: Green, Black, White, Gold, Blue, and Red. Green represents natural wealth, while white represents peace. The design and colours of the South African flag are a synopsis of principal elements of the country’s flag history. The colours actually do not have any essential meaning. Black, Green and Gold yellow is found in the flag of the African National Congress. Red, White, and Blue are used in the modern flag of the Netherlands and the flag of the United Kingdom; the colours white and blue were also found in the old flag of South Africa. The South African Flag - History, Meaning, Colour & Designer National Anthem ,

The national anthem of South Africa which was adopted in 1997 combines extracts from the Xhosa hymn Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika (“God Bless Africa”) with extracts from the former national anthem Die Stem van Suid Africa (“The Voice of South Africa”). The first verse is in isiXhosa and isiZulu, the second verse is in Sesotho, the third verse is in Afrikaans while the last and final verse is in English. Nkosi sikelel’ iAfrika Maluphakanyisw’ uphondo lwayo, Yizwa imithandazo yethu, Nkosi sikelela, thina lusapho lwayo. Morena boloka setjhaba sa heso, O fedise dintwa le matshwenyeho, O se boloke, O se boloke setjhaba sa heso, Setjhaba sa South Afrika – South Afrika. Uit die blou van onse hemel, Uit die diepte van ons see, Oor ons ewige gebergtes, Waar die kranse antwoord gee, Sounds the call to come together, And united we shall stand, Let us live and strive for freedom, In South Africa our land.

National Coat of Arms

National Coat of Arms The National Coat of Arms is the highest visual symbol of the state. It is elegant and contemporary in design and distinctly egg-shaped. The national coat of arm can be interpreted as follows: The central image of a secretary bird with uplifted wings, The sun rising above the horizon is placed between the wings of the secretary bird and completes the oval shape of ascendance. Ears of wheat: This signifies the emblems of the fertility of the land. Tusks of the African elephant: This symbolizes wisdom, strength, and steadfastness. Shield: This signifies the protection of South African Spear and knobkierie: It visualizes the defense of peace rather than a posture of war Images of Khoisan people: This represents the first inhabitants of the land .

National Orders

South Africa’s current national orders were issued for the first time in 2002. Anyone is eligible for nomination, and nominees don’t have to be famous but must have performed an act of bravery or rendered exceptional service to the country. Order of Mapungubwe: this is awarded to South African citizens for excellence and exceptional achievement. Order of the Baobab: it is awarded for distinguished service in business and the economy; science, medicine, technological innovation; and community service. Order of the Companions of OR Tambo: it is awarded to heads of state and other dignitaries promoting peace, cooperation, and friendship towards South Africa. It is awarded in three categories to eminent foreign nationals and other foreign dignitaries for friendship shown to South Africa. Order of Luthuli: this is awarded to South Africans who have made a meaningful contribution to the struggle for democracy, human rights, nation-building, justice and peace, and conflict resolution. Order of Ikhamanga: this is awarded to South African citizens for excellence in arts, culture, literature, music, journalism or sports. This award is made in made in three categories. The exceptional achievement Order is awarded in gold, for excellent achievement, it is awarded in silver while it is awarded in bronze for outstanding achievement. Order of the Mendi Decoration for Bravery: this is awarded to South African citizens who have performed extraordinary acts of bravery. The act of bravery could have been performed in or outside the Republic of South Africa.

National animal & National Bird

The National Animal of South Africa is the Springbok. The scientific name of this animal is Antidorcas marsupialis. The South African national rugby team name fondly known as “the Boks” or “die Bokke” was derived from the name of this animal. Public holidays in South Africa The springbok is South Africa’s most popular antelope. This mammal is a vegetarian which can grow up to 75 cm in height. National Bird National bird of south africa The national bird of South Africa is the Blue Crane. The scientific name of this animal is Anthropoides paradisia. They are common in the Karoo and can also find them in the grasslands of KwaZulu-Natal and the highveld, usually in pairs or small family parties. They feed on seeds, insects, and reptiles. The Blue crane distribution is almost entirely restricted to South Africa. National Flower National flower of south africa The national flower of South Africa is the King Protea. The scientific name of this flower is Protea cynaroides. The flower can be found in the south-western and southern areas of the Western Cape, from the Cedarberg up to just east of Grahamstown. The Proteas is the name given to the South African national cricket team. National Fish National fish of south africa The National Fish of South Africa is the Galjoen. The scientific name of this fish is Dichistius capensis. It is found along the coast from Namibia to Durban, and nowhere else in the world. The fish feeds majorly on red bait (ascidians), small mussels and barnacles. National Tree National tree of south africa The national tree of South Africa is the Real Yellowwood Tree. The scientific name of this tree is Podocarpus latifolius. It is found from Table Mountain along the southern and eastern Cape coast, the Drakensberg up to the Soutpansberg and the Blouberg in Limpopo. This tree can grow up to 40 metres in height with the base of the trunk sometimes up to 3 metres in diameter. References: Brand South Africa South Africa Explorer Low Velder Image Sources: Gov.za Share Tweet 0 Shares Related Posts List of Minister of Basic Education Till Date List of Minister of Basic Education Till Date South African History – March 16 South African History – March 16 South African History Today – February 25 South African History Today .

National Flower

National flower of south africa The national flower of South Africa is the King Protea. The scientific name of this flower is Protea cynaroides. The flower can be found in the south-western and southern areas of the Western Cape, from the Cedarberg up to just east of Grahamstown. The Proteas is the name given to the South African national cricket team.

National Fish

National fish of south africa The National Fish of South Africa is the Galjoen. The scientific name of this fish is Dichistius capensis. It is found along the coast from Namibia to Durban, and nowhere else in the world. The fish feeds majorly on red bait (ascidians), small mussels and barnacles.

National Tree

National tree of south africa The national tree of South Africa is the Real Yellowwood Tree. The scientific name of this tree is Podocarpus latifolius. It is found from Table Mountain along the southern and eastern Cape coast, the Drakensberg up to the Soutpansberg and the Blouberg in Limpopo. This tree can grow up to 40 metres in height with the base of the trunk sometimes up to 3 metres in diameter.

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Coat of arms of South Africa

The coat of arms of South Africa is the main heraldic insignia of South Africa. The present coat of arms was introduced on Freedom Day, 27 April 2000, and was designed by Iaan Bekker. It replaced the earlier national arms, which had been in use since 1910. The motto is written in the extinct ǀXam, member of the Khoisan languages, and translates literally to "diverse people unite". The previous motto, in Latin, was Ex Unitate Vires, translated as "From unity, strength".

History

Following the end of apartheid, the new constitution of South Africa initially retained the coat of arms granted to South Africa in 1910. However, they had been viewed as outdated due to being designed by the British and Afrikaner minorities and not being representative of the black majority. The design process for a new coat of arms was initiated in 1999, the Department of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology requested ideas for the new coat of arms from the public. A brief was then prepared based on the ideas received, along with input from the Cabinet. The Government Communication and Information System then approached Design South Africa to brief ten of the top designers. Three designers were chosen to present their concepts to the Cabinet, and Iaan Bekker's design was chosen.

The new arms were introduced on Freedom Day, 27 April 2000. The change reflected the government's aim to highlight the democratic change in South Africa and a new sense of patriotism.

The coat of arms is a series of elements organised in distinct symmetric egg-like or oval shapes placed on top of one another. The completed structure of the coat of arms combines the lower and higher oval shape in a symbol of infinity. The path that connects the lower edge of the scroll, through the lines of the tusks, with the horizon above and the sun rising at the top, forms the shape of the cosmic egg from which the secretary bird rises. In the symbolic sense, this is the implied rebirth of the spirit of the great and heroic nation of South Africa.

The coat of arms is also a central part of the Seal of the Republic, traditionally considered to be the highest emblem of the state.Absolute authority is given to every document with an impression of the Seal of the Republic on it, as this means that it has been approved by the president of South Africa. Since 1997, however, the use of the Seal of the Republic has not actually been required by the Constitution, but it continues to be used.

Boer Republics

Colonies

Bantustans

Blazon

The official blazon of the arms is:

Or, representations of two San human figures of red ochre, statant respectant, the hands of the innermost arms clasped, with upper arm, inner wrist, waist and knee bands Argent, and a narrow border of red ochre; the shield ensigned of a spear and knobkierie in saltire, Sable. Thereabove a demi-secretary bird displayed Or, charged on the breast with a stylised representation of a protea flower with outer petals Vert, inner petals Or and seeded of nine triangles conjoined in three rows, the upper triangle Gules, the second row Vert, Or inverted and Vert, and the third row Vert, Or inverted, Sable, Or inverted and Vert. Above the head of the secretary bird an arc of seven rays facetted Or and Orange, the two outer rays conjoined to the elevated wings. Upon a riband Vert, the motto ǃKE E꞉ ǀXARRA ǁKE in letters Argent. Issuant from the ends of the riband two pairs of elephant tusks curving inwards, the tips conjoined to the wings of the secretary bird, Or, therewithin and flanking the shields, two ears of wheat Brunatré.

The oval shape of foundation

The first element is the motto, in a green semicircle. Completing the semicircle are two symmetrically placed pairs of elephant tusks pointing upwards. Within the oval shape formed by the tusks are two symmetrical ears of wheat, that in turn frame a centrally placed gold shield.

The shape of the shield makes reference to the drum, and contains two human figures derived from Khoisan rock art Linton Stone, which is housed and displayed in the South African Museum in Cape Town. The figures are depicted facing one another in greeting and in unity.

Above the shield are a spear and a knobkierie, crossed in a single unit. These elements are arranged harmoniously to give focus to the shield and complete the lower oval shape of foundation.

The motto

Pronunciation of the South African Motto

Duration: 4 seconds.0:04

Pronunciation of the South African Motto.
Recorded September 21, 2024

The motto is: ǃke e꞉ ǀxarra ǁke, written in the Khoisan language of the ǀXam people, literally meaning "diverse people unite". It addresses each individual effort to harness the unity between thought and action. On a collective scale it calls for the nation to unite in a common sense of belonging and national pride – unity in diversity.

The ears of wheat

An emblem of fertility, it also symbolises the idea of germination, growth and the feasible development of any potential. It relates to the nourishment of the people and signifies the agricultural aspects of the Earth.

Elephant tusks

Elephants symbolise wisdom, strength, moderation and eternity.

The shield

It has a dual function as a vehicle for the display of identity and of spiritual defence. It contains the primary symbol of our nation.

The human figures

The Linton Panel, a famous San rock art displayed at the Iziko South African Museum; used as inspiration for the human figures on the shield.

The figures are depicted in an attitude of greeting, symbolising unity. This also represents the beginning of the individual's transformation into the greater sense of belonging to the nation and by extension, collective humanity.

The spear and knobkierie

A dual symbol of defence and authority, they in turn represent the powerful legs of the secretary bird. The spear and knobkierie are lying down, symbolising peace.

The oval shape of ascendance

Immediately above the oval shape of foundation, is the visual centre of the coat of arms, a protea. The petals of the protea are rendered in a triangular pattern reminiscent of the crafts of Africa.

The secretary bird is placed above the protea and the flower forms the chest of the bird. The secretary bird stands with its wings uplifted in a regal and uprising gesture. The distinctive head feathers of the secretary bird crown a strong and vigilant head. The rising sun above the horizon is placed between the wings of the secretary bird and completes the oval shape of ascendance.

The combination of the upper and lower oval shapes intersect to form an unbroken infinite course, and the great harmony between the basic elements result in a dynamic, elegant and thoroughly distinctive design. Yet it clearly retains the stability, gravity and immediacy that a coat of arms demands.

The King protea

The protea is an emblem of the beauty of our land and the flowering of our potential as a nation in pursuit of the African Renaissance. The protea symbolises the holistic integration of forces that grow from the Earth and are nurtured from above. The most popular colours of Africa have been assigned to the protea – green, gold, red and black.

The secretary bird

The secretary bird is characterised in flight, the natural consequence of growth and speed. It is the equivalent of the lion on Earth. A powerful bird whose legs – depicted as the spear and knobkierie – serve it well in its hunt for snakes, symbolising protection of the nation against its enemies. It is a messenger of the heavens and conducts its grace upon the Earth. In this sense it is a symbol of divine majesty. Its uplifted wings are an emblem of the ascendance of our nation, while simultaneously offering us its protection. It is depicted in gold, which clearly symbolises its association with the sun and the highest power.

The rising sun

An emblem of brightness, splendour and the supreme principle of the nature of energy. It symbolises the promise of rebirth, the active faculties of reflection, knowledge, good judgement and willpower. It is the symbol of the source of life, of light and the ultimate wholeness of humanity.

1910 arms

The first coat of arms was granted by King George V by royal warrant on 17 September 1910.[6] This was a few months after the formation of the Union of South Africa.

It was a combination of symbols representing the four provinces (formerly colonies) that made up the Union.

The first quarter is the figure of Hope, representing the Colony of the Cape of Good Hope.
The two wildebeests of the second quarter represent the Colony of Natal.
The orange tree in the third quarter was used as the symbol of the Orange Free State Republic.
The wagon in the fourth quarter represented the Transvaal.
The supporters are taken from the arms of the Orange River Colony and the Cape Colony.
The lion holds four rods, bound together, symbolising the unification of the four former colonies.

The motto, Ex Unitate Vires was officially translated as "Union is Strength" until 1961, and thereafter as "Unity is Strength".

Evolution

Main article: Coat of arms of South Africa (1910–2000)

Three official renditions of the arms were used. The original rendition (1910) was the only version used until 1930, and it continued to be used as the rank badge of warrant officers in the South African Defence Force and South African National Defence Force until 2002. The second version, painted in 1930 and known as the "ordinary coat of arms", and the third version, painted in 1932 and known as the "embellished coat of arms", were both used until 2000. The former was also used on the insignia of the South African Police until the 1990s.

191019301932

Provincial arms

1910–1994

Between 1910 and 1994, South Africa was divided into four provinces, Cape Province, Natal, Orange Free State and Transvaal. These provinces had their own coat of arms.

1994–present

In April 1994, South Africa was divided into nine provinces. Each province was granted a coat of arms, in most cases designed by State Herald Frederick Brownell.

Coat of arms of Eastern Cape
Coat of arms of Free State Province
Coat of arms of Gauteng
Coat of arms of KwaZulu-Natal
Coat of arms of Limpopo
Coat of arms of Mpumalanga
Coat of arms of North West Province
Coat of arms of Northern Cape
Coat of arms of Western Cape

Coat of arms of the Orange Free State

Orange Free State coat of arms

Adopted23 February 1857

Relinquished27 April 1994

1993 artist's recreation of the coat of arms of the Orange Free State

The coat of arms of the Orange Free State was the official heraldic symbol of the Orange Free State as a republic from 1857 to 1902, and later, from 1937 to 1994, as a province of South Africa. It is now obsolete.

History

The Orange Free State was established as a republic in 1854. It needed official symbols, and its first state president, Josias Hoffman decided to have them professionally designed in the Netherlands. At his request, King Willem III of the Netherlands had a flag and coat of arms designed by the Hoge Raad van Adel [nl] during 1855, and sent them out to South Africa. As the Orange Free State was named after the Orange River which, in turn, had been named after the Dutch royal family, the arms depicted a wavy orange fess (stripe) representing the river, and three bugle horns, which are the badge of the House of Orange.

By the time the designs reached Bloemfontein, in January 1856, Hoffman had resigned and been succeeded by Jacobus Boshof. Apparently unaware that state symbols were being designed in the Netherlands, Boshof had had a Great Seal designed and manufactured, and approved by the Volksraad (legislature). The seal depicted a tree of liberty, sheep, a lion, and an ox-wagon. When Boshof placed the flag and coat of arms designs before the Volksraad on 28 February 1856, the legislators decided that

The design of the flag sent by the King of the Netherlands shall be adopted, and to the coat of arms sent by the above shall be added the already existing arms in the Great Seal of the State, with omission of the orange stripe.

The coat of arms, as actually adopted, then displayed the design of the Great Seal between the three bugle horns. This hybrid design was officially introduced on the republic's third anniversary, 23 February 1857, and was used until the republic ceased to exist on 31 May 1902.

As the Orange River Colony (1902–10), the territory had a different coat of arms, granted by King Edward VII of the United Kingdom.

When the colony became a province of the Union of South Africa in 1910, the provincial administration took over the Orange River Colony arms, which it used until 1925. In 1937, after a twelve-year period without official arms, the provincial administration adopted the old republican arms, and they were used as the provincial arms until the Orange Free State was reconstituted as the Free State Province in 1994.

Blazon

The arms were recorded at the College of Arms in July 1955, and registered at the Bureau of Heraldry in October 1967. The official blazon is:[5]

On a shield Argent, between three bugle horns Azure, garnished and stringed Gules, a representation of the seal of the Orange Free State Republic as adopted in 1856 viz., on a white roundel, in chief a tree on an island, between dexter, three sheep and sinister a natural lion supporting the tree with his dexter paw, in base a voortrekker wagon on an island, all proper; on a ribbon draped fesswise, the motto GEDULD EN MOED, above the tree the word VRYHEID and below the wagon the word IMMIGRATIE; behind the shield, on two staves in saltire with ball and spear points Or, two flags of the same Republic draped on both sides, each with seven stripes visible, alternately white and orange and a canton of three stripes, red, white and blue.

Coat of arms of the Cape Colony

Coat of arms of Cape Colony

Adopted12 May 1875, formally granted 29 May 1876

CrestThe figure of Hope proper vested Azure, resting the dexter arm on a rock and supporting with the sinister hand an anchor Sable entwined with a cable also proper.

ShieldGules, a lion rampant between three annulets Or; on a chief Argent as many hurts each charged with a fleur de lis of the second Or.

SupportersDexter a gnu and sinister an oryx both proper.

MottoSpes Bona (Latin)
"Good Hope"

The coat of arms of the Cape Colony was the official heraldic symbol of the Cape Colony as a British colony from 1875 to 1910, and as a province of South Africa from 1910 to 1994.

History

The adoption of the arms was a belated response to a British government request, in 1869, for a design for a flag badge to identify the colony. The laying of the foundation stone of the new parliament building in May 1875 was considered as a good opportunity to introduce it. A Cape Town attorney with a keen interest in heraldry, Charles Aken Fairbridge (1824-1893), was accordingly asked to design arms for the Colony.

The foundation stone of the colonial parliament was laid on 12 May 1875. According to the Cape Argus newspaper, "among the conspicuous features of the spectacle was the new colonial flag, hoisted aloft above the cornerstone, with the heraldic shielding, surroundings and mottoes blazoned on the Union Flag and the Royal Standard floating in the breeze from the loftiest flagstaff in the centre".

Queen Victoria formally granted the arms by Royal Warrant a year later, on 29 May 1876.

After the Cape became a province of the Union of South Africa in 1910, the provincial administration took over the arms. They were used as provincial arms until the Cape was divided into three smaller provinces in 1994.

Blazon

The original blazon was:

Gules, a lion rampant between three annulets Or; on a chief Argent as many hurts each charged with a fleur de lis of the second Or.

Crest: The figure of Hope proper vested Azure, resting the dexter arm on a rock and supporting with the sinister hand an anchor Sable entwined with a cable also proper.

Supporters: Dexter a gnu and sinister an oryx both proper.

Motto: SPES BONA.

The symbolism of the arms is straightforward. The lion is a South African animal, and also appears in the arms of the two colonial powers which ruled at the Cape, Netherlands and Great Britain. The rings were taken from the arms of the founder of the colony, Jan van Riebeeck. The fleur-de-lis represent the contribution of the Huguenots to the early history of the country. The crest is the Lady of Good Hope, grasping an anchor, first introduced as a symbol of the colony in 1715. The supporters, a gnu (wildebeest) and an oryx (gemsbok), are two typical South African animals. The motto, "Spes Bona" simply means "Good Hope".

Version with redesigned crest

New artwork was introduced in 1952. Hope's dress was changed to white, and she was given a blue mantle. The arms were recorded in this format the College of Arms in July 1955 and registered at the Bureau of Heraldry in 1967.

Coat of arms of Natal

Versions

Badge of the Natal Colony 1875-1907

Adopted1907

The coat of arms of Natal was the official heraldic symbol of Natal as a British colony from 1907 to 1910, and as a province of South Africa from 1910 to 1994. It is now obsolete.

History

As a British colony, Natal's first official symbol was a Public Seal, authorised by Queen Victoria in 1846, and also used as a flag badge from 1870.

The seal was of a standard pattern[clarification needed] which first came into use on the Great Seal of Newfoundland in 1839 and was described as follows: "Within a Chippendale-type frame, a on plain, two Wildebeest in full course at random (to sinister), with the words COLONY OF NATAL beneath the frame. The frame itself is ensigned with the Royal Arms and around the circumference appears the legend VICTORIA DEI GRATIA BRITANNIAR. REG. F.D." It depicted the British royal coat of arms in the upper half; in the lower half was an ornamental frame enclosing a scene of two wildebeest (gnu) galloping across a plain.

The wildebeest became the popular symbol of Natal, and when the government decided in 1905 to obtain an official coat of arms, the wildebeest was an obvious choice for the design. The arms, designed by G. Ambrose Lee, the York Herald at the College of Arms, were granted by King Edward VII by Royal Warrant on 16 May 1907.

After Natal became a province of the Union of South Africa in 1910, the provincial administration took over the arms. They were used as the standalone provincial arms until Natal was reconstituted as KwaZulu-Natal in 1994. However, they continued to be used officially jointly with the coat of arms of KwaZulu until 2004 due to the new province being unable to agree on a new coat of arms.

Blazon

In their original form, as used by the colonial government, the Arms of 1907 consisted only of a shield, blazoned as follows:

Azure, in front of mountains and on a plain two black wildebeesten in full course at random all proper.

The provincial administration embellished the arms by placing an imperial crown (so-called 'Tudor crown') above the shield, and a riband inscribed 'Natal' below it. New artwork, introduced in 1930, altered details of the crown, by replacing the fleurs de lis with crosses and omitting the pearls from the transverse arch. This version appeared on the province's Official Gazette and other publications.

The arms were recorded in this form at the College of Arms in July 1955, and registered at the Bureau of Heraldry in January 1969.

Coat of arms of the Transvaal

South African Republic (Transvaal)
coat of arms

Adopted1869

CrestEagle

Motto Eendragt maakt magt
('Unity makes strength')

The coat of arms of the Transvaal was the official heraldic symbol of the South African Republic from 1866 to 1877 and again from 1881 to 1902, and later the symbol of the Transvaal Province from 1954 to 1994 in a simplified form. It is now obsolete.

History

The South African Republic was established in 1857. On 18 February 1858, the Volksraad (legislature) resolved that the new state should have the following coat of arms:

On a silver field there shall be placed a wagon and a golden anchor, while an eagle shall rest upon the arms. On the right hand side of the arms a man in national costume with a gun and accessories. On the left hand side a lion.

— National and Provincial Symbols, F.G. Brownell

The earliest known appearance of the arms was on banknotes issued in 1866. The crudely drawn arms were depicted as a shield with a lion, an anchor, and a man in the upper half, an ox-wagon in the lower half, and the motto 'Eendragt maakt magt' (sic, cf. Flag of the SAR) on a riband across the top. This rendition also appeared on the Staatscourant (government gazette) from 1867.

A better version, in which the shield was divided into sections, an eagle was perched on top, and three flags were draped down each side, first appeared on the postage stamps in 1869, and this became the preferred rendition. From 1871, this too appeared on the banknotes, and from 1872 it was on the masthead of the Staatscourant.

The arms were in abeyance during the British occupation of the Transvaal, from 1877 to 1881. Revived in 1881, they became obsolete again when the republic ceased to exist in 1902.

In 1950, the Transvaal provincial administration decided to adopt the old arms as provincial arms and commissioned chief archivist Dr Coenraad Beyers to investigate and report on the most suitable version. The arms were apparently introduced in 1954, and they were used until the province ceased to exist in 1994.

Version used by the Transvaal Province

Blazon

The arms were recorded at the College of Arms in July 1955, and registered at the Bureau of Heraldry in October 1967. The official blazon is:

An oval shield per fess, the chief divided per pale; dexter Gules, a natural lion contourne couchant gardant Or; sinister Azure, a bearded man in national dress wearing a hat and bandolier, and holding in the left hand a gun resting upon the ground; in base Vert, a Voortrekker wagon proper; on an inescutcheon Argent an anchor Sable, cabled Gules.

Perched on the shield an eagle displayed Or.

Behind the shield and draped below on both sides three flags of the South African Republic, green, red, white and blue.

Motto: EENDRACHT MAAKT MAGT

Coat of arms of the Orange River Colony

Orange River Colony coat of arms

Adopted10 December 1904

The coat of arms of the Orange River Colony was the official heraldic symbol of the Orange River Colony as a British colony from 1904 to 1910, and then of the Orange Free State province of South Africa from 1910 to 1925. It is now obsolete.

History

The Orange Free State republic became a British colony at the end of the Anglo-Boer War in May 1902. The republic's official arms were discontinued, and on 10 December 1904, by Royal Warrant, King Edward VII granted a new coat of arms to the colony. The springbok was chosen as the principal charge in the arms. Although it had made its appearance in heraldry nearly thirty years earlier (in the crest of the arms granted to Edward Randles of Port Natal in 1875), this appears to have been the first time that the animal was used as a charge on a shield.

When the colony became a province of the Union of South Africa in 1910, the provincial administration took over the arms, which it used until 1925. In 1937, after a twelve-year period without official arms, the provincial administration adopted the old republican arms, which were used as the provincial arms until the Orange Free State was reconstituted as the Free State Province in 1994.

Blazon

The official blazon is:

Argent, on a mound a springbuck and on a chief Azure the Imperial Crown all proper.

History of South African Flags & Coat of Arms

1902–1910

1910–1928

1928–1994

1994–present

Proper display of the flag

Official description

Historical flags (1652–1928)

National flags (1928–1994)

Homeland flags (1966–1994)

Sporting flags (1992–1994)

Military flags

Military flags

National Defence Department

Police flags

Provincial flags

1910–1994

1994–present

Flag of South Africa

Flag of South Africa

Colours

Symbolism

Proposed flags

Flags proposed in the 1910s

Flags proposed in the 1920s

Flags from the 1925/1926 Public Flag Competition

Flags from the 1927 Flag Commission

Flags put forward in 1927 by SAP, Government, and Senate

Flags proposed in the 1960s

Flags proposed in the 1990s

1992 Contest by the "Natal Witness"

Designs shortlisted by the Commission on National Symbols

Designs Proposed Graphic design studios

Designs shortlisted by the Joint Technical Working Committee

The South African Flag – History, Meaning, Colour & Designer National Flag

THE FLAG

National animal & National Bird

Small Title

Small Title

Small Title

Coat of arms of South Africa

History

Colonies

Blazon

The oval shape of foundation

The oval shape of ascendance

1910 arms

Evolution

Provincial arms

1910–1994

1994–present

Coat of arms of the Orange Free State

History

Blazon

Coat of arms of the Cape Colony

History

Blazon

Coat of arms of Natal

History

Blazon

Coat of arms of the Transvaal

History

Blazon

Coat of arms of the Orange River Colony

History

Blazon

The South African Flag – History, Meaning, Colour & Designer
National Flag