History
A proclamation issued by the (then) state president on 20 april 1994 in terms of the provisions of section 248 (1) together with section 2 of the constitution of the republic of south africa, 1993 (act 200 of 1993), stated that the republic of south africa would have two national anthems. they were nkosi sikelel' iafrika and the call of south africa (die stem van suid-afrika). in terms of section 4 of the constitution of south africa, 1996 (act 108 of 1996), and following a proclamation in the government gazette no. 18341 (dated 10 october 1997), a shortened, combined version of nkosi sikelel' iafrika and the call of south africa is now the national anthem of South Africa.
The call of south africa (die stem van suid-afrika)
Die stem van suid-afrika is a poem written by cj langenhoven in may 1918. the music was composed by the reverend ml de villiers in 1921.
The south african broadcasting corporation played both god save the king and die stem to close their daily broadcasts and the public became familiar with it. it was first sung publicly at the official hoisting of the national flag in cape town on 31 may 1928, but it was not until 2 may 1957 that government made the announcement that die stem had been accepted as the official national anthem of south africa. in the same year, government also acquired the copyright and this was confirmed by an act of parliament in 1959. in 1952, the official english version of the national anthem, the call of south africa was accepted for official use.
Nkosi sikelel' iAfrika
Nkosi sikelel' iAfrika was composed in 1897 by enoch sontonga, a methodist mission school teacher. the words of the first stanza were originally written in xhosa as a hymn. seven additional stanzas in xhoza were later added by the poet, samuel mqhayi. a sesotho version was published by moses mphahlele in 1942. nkosi sikelel' iafrika was popularised at concerts held in johannesburg by reverend jl dube's ohlange zulu choir. it became a popular church hymn that was later adopted as an anthem at political meetings. it was sung as an act of defiance during the apartheid years. the first stanza is generally sung in xhosa or zulu followed by the sesotho version. apparently there is no standard version or translations of nkosi and the words vary from place to place and from occasion to occasion.
Words
This is the official version of the national anthem, combining nkosi sikelel' iafrika and die stem/the call of south africa, with a translation in english given in brackets:
South African National Anthem
nkosi sikelel' iafrika
(god bless africa)
maluphakanyisw' uphondo lwayo,
(raise high her glory)
yizwa imithandazo yethu,
(hear our prayers)
nkosi sikelela, thina lusapho lwayo
(god bless us, we her children) |
Isixhosa and Zulu |
morena boloka setjhaba sa heso,
(god protect our nation)
o fedise dintwa le matshwenyeho,
(end all wars and tribulations)
o se boloke, o se boloke setjhaba sa heso,
(protect us, protect our nation)
setjhaba sa south afrika - south afrika.
(our nation south africa - south africa) |
Sesotho |
uit die blou van onse hemel,
(ringing out from our blue heavens)
uit die diepte van ons see,
(from the depth of our seas)
oor ons ewige gebergtes,
(over our everlasting mountains)
waar die kranse antwoord gee,
(where the echoing crags resound) |
Afrikaans |
sounds the call to come together,
and united we shall stand,
let us live and strive for freedom,
in south africa our land. |
English |
Sources
- Brownell, fg, national symbols of the republic of south africa. 1995. Johannesburg: chris van rensburg publications.
- Department of foreign affairs and information. 1983. south africa 1983: official yearbook of the republic of south africa. 9th ed. johannesburg: chris van rensburg publications.
- Republic of south africa.1994. government gazette, no 15694 of 1994. pretoria: government printer.
- Republic of South Africa.1995. government gazette, no 1658 of 1995. pretoria: government printer
- Republic of south africa.1997. government gazette, no 18341 of 1997. pretoria: government printer.
- South African communication service. 1993. south africa 1993: official yearbook of the republic of south africa. 19th ed. pretoria: south african communication service.
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 national flag blue
Sources
- Brownell, fg, national symbols of the republic of south africa. 1995. Jjohannesburg: chris van rensburg publications.
- Department of foreign affairs and information. 1983. south africa 1983: official yearbook of the republic of south africa. 9th ed. johannesburg: chris van rensburg
- Republic of South Africa. 1995. government gazette, no 1658 of 1995, pretoria.
- South African communication service. 1993. south africa 1993: official yearbook of the republic of south africa. 19th ed. pretoria: south african communication service.
National Coat of Arms
The role of a coat of arms
a national coat of arms, or state emblem, is the highest visual symbol of the state.
The coat of arms is also a central part of the great seal, traditionally considered to be the highest emblem of the state. absolute authority is given to every document with an impression of the great seal on it, as this means that it has been approved by the president of south africa.
south africa’s coat of arms was launched on freedom day, 27 april 2000. the change reflected government's aim to highlight the democratic change in south africa and a new sense of patriotism.
The design of the coat of arms
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 lower oval shape represents the elements 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 from khoisan rock art. 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 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 symbols of the coat of arms
the oval shape of foundation
- The motto
the motto is: !ke e: /xarra //ke, written in the khoisan language of the /xam 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.
pronunciation of !ke e: /xarra //ke:
- 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 figures are derived from images on the linton stone, a world-famous example of south african rock art, now housed and displayed in the south african museum in cape town. the khoisan, the oldest known inhabitants of our land and most probably of the earth, testify to our common humanity and heritage as south africans and as humanity in general. 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
dual symbols 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
- The 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.
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 our great and heroic nation.
The design process
The then department of arts, culture, science and technology requested ideas for the new coat of arms from the public last year. based on the ideas received, along with input from the cabinet, a brief was written. the government communication and information system (gcis) then approached design south africa - an umbrella body representing design agencies across the country - to brief ten of the top designers. three designers were chosen to present their concepts to the cabinet. mr iaan bekker's design was chosen for the new coat of arms. he is a director of the fcb group and has designed numerous corporate identities for public and private sector organisations.
The new coat of arms enhances batho pele
batho pele is a sesotho phrase meaning ‘people first’, committing the public service to serve all the people of south africa. the batho pele values and principles underpin the country’s coat of arms. on 1 october 1997, the public service embarked on a batho pele campaign aimed at improving service delivery, to the public. for this new approach to succeed, some changes need to take place. public service systems, procedures, attitudes and behaviour need to better serve its customers – the public.
batho pele is a commitment to values and principles:
- regular consultation with customers about the quality of services provided
- setting service standards specifying the quality of services that customers can expect
- increasing access to services especially to those disadvantaged by racial, gender, geographical, social, cultural, physical, communication, and attitude-related barriers
- ensuring higher levels of courtesy by specifying and adhering to set standards for the treatment of customers
- providing more and better information about services so that customers have full, accurate, relevant and up-to-date information about the services they are entitled to receive
- increasing openness and transparency about how services are delivered, the resources they use and who is in charge
- remedying failures and mistakes so that when problems occur, there is a positive response and resolution to the problem
- giving the best possible value for money so that customers feel their contribution to the state through taxation, is used effectively and efficiently and savings are ploughed back to further improve service delivery.
batho pele is about eliminating wasteful and expensive internal systems that were not designed to put the needs of the people first. it is also about making sure that the public service’s financial planning is in line with the public’s needs and priorities.
most of the improvements that the public would like to see cost nothing, such as: a smile, treating customers with respect, being honest when providing information and apologising if things go wrong. these are not a matter of additional resources - they are a matter of adopting different standards of behaviour.
improving service delivery is about re-aligning everything we do to ‘customer service’ principles. the implementation of batho pele is not a once-off task. it is a continuous, dynamic process, that will go on for many years, gathering momentum all the time.
we need to work jointly, as the government and the public, to make the principles of batho pele a reality for a nation at work for a better life. (speech by president thabo mbeki at the launch of the coat of arms, at kwaggafontein, bloemfontein, on 27 april 2000)
compiled by: government communication and information system (gcis), april 2000
National Animal
springbuck/springbok
antidorcas marsupialis
typical of this species is the pronk (jumping display), which led to its common name. both sexes have horns but those of the ram are thicker and rougher. this species has adapted to the dry, barren areas and open grass plains and is thus found especially in the free state, north west province and in the karoo up to the west coast.
they are herd animals and move in small herds during winter, but often crowd together in bigger herds in summer. they eat both grass and leaves and can go without drinking-water, because they get enough moisture from the succulent leaves. where drinking-water is available they will use it.
springbuck stand 75 cm high and weigh about 40 kg. they breed throughout the year and lambs are born after a 6-month gestation period.
sources:
brownell, fg, nasionale en provinsiale simbole. 1993. johannesburg: chris van rensburg publications.
National Bird
Blue crane
Anthropoides paradisia
this elegant crane, that stands about one meter high, is almost entirely restricted to south africa in its distribution. the blue crane is a light blue-grey, has a long neck supporting a rather bulbous head, long legs and elegant wing plumes which sweep to the ground. it eats seeds, insects and reptiles. blue cranes lay their eggs in the bare veld, often close to water. they are quite common in the karoo, but are also seen in the grasslands of kwazulu-natal and the highveld, usually in pairs or small family parties.
the blue crane has a distinctive rattling croak, fairly high-pitched at call, which can be heard from far away. it is, however, usually quiet.
the habitat of the blue crane is open grass fields or karoo-like plains with low shrubby bushes. it likes wet parts and lays its eggs on the ground. it grazes in the field and eats seeds, insects and small reptiles.
sources:
brownell, fg, nasionale en provinsiale simbole. 1993. johannesburg: chris van rensburg publications.
newman, k, birdlife in southern africa. 1971. johannesburg. purnell & sons sa (pty) ltd
National Fish
Galjoen
Coracinus capensis
the galjoen is found only along the south african coast. it keeps to mostly shallow water, is often found in rough surf and sometimes right next to the shore and is known to every angler. near rocks, the colour of the galjoen is almost completely black, while in sandy areas the colour is silver-bronze. it is also known in kwazulu-natal as blackfish or black bream. the record size is over 55 cm and 7 kg, however the average is much smaller. the galjoen is a game fighter.
the diet of the galjoen consists mainly of red bait (ascidians), small mussels and barnacles. the scales are very firmly attached. the fins are well-developed with prominent spines.
sources:
galjoen. 1972. standard encyclopaedia of southern africa, vol 5, p107.
van der elst, r, a guide to the common sea fishes of southern africa. 1981. cape town: c struik publishers.
National flower
Giant or king protea
Protea cynaroides
the giant or king protea is widely distributed in the south-western and southern areas of the western cape, from the cedarberg up to just east of grahamstown.
the artichoke-like appearance of the flower-heads of the king protea lead to the specific name ‘cynaroides’, which means ‘like cynara’ (the artichoke). the name does not do justice to the beautiful flower-heads of this protea, which is the largest in the genus. a number of varieties in colour and leaf shapes are found, but the most beautiful is the pink coloured flower.
sources:
brownell, fg, nasionale en provinsiale simbole. 1993. johannesburg: chris van rensburg publications.
National tree
Real yellowwood
podocarpus latifolius
the yellowwood family is primeval and has been present in this part of africa for more than 100 million years. the species is widespread and is found from table mountain, along the southern and eastern cape coast, in the ravines of the drakensberg up to the soutpansberg and the blouberg in limpopo.
in forests, they can grow up to 40 metres in height with the base of the trunk sometimes up to 3 metres in diameter. in contrast, trees that grow in unsheltered places like mountain-slopes, are often short, bushy and gnarled. the bark of the real yellowwood is khaki-coloured to grey when it is old, deeply split and peels off in strips. the crown is relatively small in relation to its height and is often covered with grey lichen. male and female cones resemble pine cones and are white, light green or pink. the female cone has a fleshy podocarpium on which the seed, which takes on the shape and colour of a cherry, develops.
sources:
brownell, fg, nasionale en provinsiale simbole. 1993. johannesburg: chris van rensburg publications. |
Eastern cape provincial government
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Mr Cassel Charlie Mathale |
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Mr David Dabede Mabuza |
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Ms Maureen Modiselle |
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Ms Hazel Jenkins |
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Ms Hazel Jenkins |
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