National Flag
Symbolism
The national flag was designed by a former
South African State Herald, Mr Fred Brownell, and was first used on 27
April 1994. The design and colours are a synopsis of principal elements of
the country's flag history. Individual colours, or colour combinations
represent different meanings for different people and therefore no
universal symbolism should be attached to any of the colours.
The central design of the flag, beginning at the flagpost in a 'V' form
and flowing into a single horizontal band to the outer edge of the fly,
can be interpreted as the convergence of diverse elements within South
African society, taking the road ahead in unity. The theme of convergence
and unity ties in with the motto Unity is Strength of the previous South
African Coat of Arms.
Flying the flag
Specific instructions with regard to the use of the national flag can
be found in the Government Gazette 22356, Notice 510 of 8 June 2001
[PDF].
When the flag is displayed vertically against a wall, the red band
should be to the left of the viewer with the hoist or the cord seam at the
top. When it is displayed horizontally, the hoist should be to the left of
the viewer and the red band at the top. When the flag is displayed next to
or behind the speaker at a meeting, it must be placed to the speaker's
right. When it is placed elsewhere in the meeting place, it should be to
the right of the audience.
Colour specifications
Textile colours
Green - CKS 42 c Spectrum green
Black - CKS 401 c
Blue black
White - CKS 701 c National flag white
Gold - CKS 724 c
Gold yellow
Red - CKS 750 c Chilli red
Blue - CKS 762 c National
flag blue
Approximate Pantone equivalents
Green - 3415 c
Gold 1235 c
Red
179 c
Blue reflex blue c |