THE NATIONAL SYMBOLS The National Flag of the fl ag which begins as a “V” at the fl ag- When the National Flag is displayed Citizens responsible for the fl ag should post and comes together in the centre of the vertically against a wall, the red band should decide whether the small fl ag (storm fl ag) fl ag, -extending further, as a single horizontal be to the left of the spectator with the hoist or should be used during stormy weather when band to the outer edge of the fl y, can be seen cord seam uppermost. a larger fl ag, the halyards and the fl agstaff, are as representing the convergence of diverse likely to be damaged. The storm fl ag is 90 x 60 elements in South African society- which then cm and the fl ag in general use is 270 x 180 cm takes the road ahead in unison. The National or 180 x 120 cm. Flag must be treated with dignity and respect. The fl ag must not touch the ground, must When the fl ag is hoisted on a fl ag pole, the not be used as a tablecloth or draped in front red band must be uppermost and the black of a platform; the fl ag must not be used to triangle must be on the side of the pole or the cover a statue, plaque, cornerstone, etc. at The National Flag of the Republic of South hoist. When it is displayed horizontally against an unveiling or similar ceremony; and the Africa was brought into use on Freedom a wall, the hoist should be to the left of the fl ag must not be used to start or fi nish any Day, 27 April 1994. The unique central design spectator and the red band uppermost. competition, race or similar event. The National Coat Of Arms that gives life while representing the fl ight Above it is a spear and a knobkierie. Together the San people. These fi gures are derived from of darkness and the triumph of discovery, they assert the defence of peace rather than images on the Linton Stone, a world famous The Coat of Arms was knowledge and understanding of things that the posture of war. This shield of peace which example of South African rock art. launched on Freedom have been hidden, and illuminating the new life also brings to mind an African drum, conveys The ears of wheat are symbols of the fertility Day, 27 April 2000. that is coming into being. the message of a people imbued with a love of the land, while the tusks of the African A central image of Below the bird is the protea, an indigenous of culture. elephant symbolise wisdom, steadfastness the Coat of Arms is the fl ower of South Africa, which represents Its uppermost part is a shield being and strength. well-known secretary beauty, the aesthetic harmony of all its cultures, imaginatively represented by the protea. The motto of the Coat of Arms, lke e:/ bird with its uplifted and South Africa fl owering as a nation. Contained within the shield are some of xamrra//ke, written in the Khoi and San wings. At the centre stands a shield which signifi es the earliest representations of humanity in language of the /Xam people, means “diverse Above the bird is the protection of all South Africans from one the world. These depicted were the fi rst people unite” or people who are different the rising sun, a force generation to the next. inhabitants of the land, namely the Khoi and joining together. The National Fish This species has adapted to the dry, barren The National Orders Is the GALJOEN areas and open grass plains and is thus found ( Corancinus especially in the Free State, North West The National The National Orders are the highest awards that capensis). It Province and from the Karoo to the West the country, through its President, can bestow is found only Coast. They breed throughout the year and Anthem on individual South Africans and eminent along the South lambs are born after a six-month gestation foreign leaders and personalities. From 27 April African coast. It period. The National Anthem was proclaimed 2001 new, radically different National Orders keeps to mostly in 1997 and is a shortened, combined were unveiled. Their designs contain indigenous shallow water, is The National Flower version of two anthems (Nkosi Sikelel’ symbols which take into consideration often found in rough surf and sometimes right is the GIANT or KING PROTEA (Protea iAfrica and the Call of South Africa / previously excluded communities. next to the shore. Every angler is familiar with cynaroides) , Die Stem van Suid Afrika). It is unique the galjoen. The diet of the galjoen is mainly Found in the The Order of Ikhamanga is in that it is sung in four languages. This red bait (ascidians). south-western awarded to South African citizens demonstrates the tireless desire South and southern who have excelled in the fi elds Africans have to reconcile and promote The National Tree areas of the of arts, culture, literature, music, Is the REAL Western Cape, national unity. journalism and sport. YELLOWWOOD from the Die Stem van Suid-Afrika is a poem ( Podocarpus Cedarberg up written by CJ Langenhoven in May The Order of Mapungubwe is latifolius) found to just east of 1818, with music composed in 1921 by awarded to South African citizens from Table Grahamstown. the Reverend M L de Villiers. It was for excellence and exceptional Mountain along The artichoke- fi rst sung publicly at the offi cial raising achievement. the southern and like appearance of the National Flag in Cape Town on eastern Cape of the fl ower 31 May 1928 but it was not until 2 May The Order of Luthuli is awarded coast, in the heads of the to South Africans who have 1957 that government pronounced Die ravines of the King Protea made a meaningful contribution Stem as the offi cial national anthem of Drakensberg up lead to the to the struggle for democracy, to the Blouberg specifi c name “cynaroides”, which means “like South Africa. In 1952 the offi cial English human rights, nation-building, and Soutpansberg in Limpopo. The bark of cynara” (the artichoke). A number of varieties version, “The Call of South Africa” was justice and peace, and confl ict the Real yellowwood is khaki coloured to grey of colours and leaf shapes are found, but the accepted for offi cial use. resolution. when it is old, deeply split and peels off in pink fl ower is the most beautiful. Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrica was composed strips. The crown is relatively small in relation in 1897 by Enoch Sontonga, a Methodist The Order of Mendi for to its height and is often covered with grey The National Bird Mission School teacher. The poet Samuel Bravery is awarded to South lichen. is the BLUE CRANE (Anthropoides paradisia). Mqhayi later added seven additional African citizens who have This species is quite stanzas in Xhosa. A Sesotho version was performed extraordinary acts common in the Karoo, of bravery in which their lives The National Animal published by Moses Mphalele in 1942. is the SPRINGBOK (Antidorcas mersupialis). but is also seen in the were in danger. Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrica became a popular grasslands of Kwa church hymn that was later adopted Zulu-Natal and the The Order of Companions of Highveld, usually in as an anthem at political meetings and OR Tambo is awarded to heads pairs or small family was sung as an act of defi ance during of state and other dignitaries parties. This elegant the apartheid years. The fi rst stanza is for diligently promoting peace, bird is light blue- generally sung in isiXhosa and isiZulu cooperation, and friendship grey, with a long neck followed by the Sesotho stanza. towards South Africa. supporting a rather • The National Anthem should be bulbous head, long recited with appropriate respect. The Order of the Baobab is and elegant wing • When the anthem is sung all should awarded to South African citizens plumes which sweep for distinguished service in the stand up straight and pay attention. to the ground. It eats seeds, insects and fi elds of business and the economy, • Civilians should take their headgear reptiles. science, medicine, technological off as a sign of respect. innovation and community service. Use this guide to learn about our heritage. Let us take pride in our proudly South African symbols and become ambassadors for our country BETTER TOGETHER..