The national coat of arms of South Africa is a symbol of the country’s identity and heritage. It was adopted on April 27, 2000, to replace the previous coat of arms that had been in use since 1910. The new coat of arms was designed by a team of heraldic experts and graphic designers, led by the State Herald, Fred Brownell.
The coat of arms is composed of several elements that represent different aspects of South Africa’s history, culture, and natural environment. The central image is a shield divided into six sections, each of which contains a different symbol. The top left section features a golden lion, which represents courage and strength. The top right section features a silver wildebeest, which represents the country’s wildlife and natural resources. The middle section features a green and gold protea flower, which is the national flower of South Africa and represents the beauty and diversity of the country’s flora. The bottom left section features a blue and white wavy line, which represents the country’s coastline and maritime heritage. The bottom right section features a yellow and black cogwheel, which represents the country’s industrial and mining sectors. The central image is surrounded by two tusks of an elephant, which represent wisdom, strength, and steadfastness.
Above the shield is a crest that features a secretary bird, which is a bird of prey that is native to South Africa. The bird is holding a golden sun in its talons, which represents the promise of a new dawn and a bright future for the country. The bird is also wearing a traditional Zulu headdress, which represents the country’s cultural heritage and diversity.
Below the shield is a ribbon that contains the country’s motto, “ǃke e꞉ ǀxarra ǁke,” which is written in the Khoisan language and means “diverse people unite.” The motto reflects the country’s commitment to unity and diversity, and the importance of working together to build a better future for all South Africans.
The colors used in the coat of arms are also significant. The green and gold colors of the protea flower represent the country’s natural beauty and wealth. The blue and white wavy line represents the country’s coastline and maritime heritage. The yellow and black cogwheel represents the country’s industrial and mining sectors. The silver wildebeest represents the country’s wildlife and natural resources. The golden lion represents courage and strength. The red, white, and blue colors of the shield represent the country’s flag and its commitment to democracy, freedom, and equality.
The history of the coat of arms reflects the country’s journey towards democracy and reconciliation. The previous coat of arms, which had been in use since 1910, featured a white woman and a black man holding up a shield with a Union Jack in the center. This image reflected the country’s colonial past and its history of racial segregation and discrimination. When South Africa became a democracy in 1994, there was a need for a new coat of arms that would reflect the country’s new identity and values.
The design of the new coat of arms was a collaborative effort that involved input from a wide range of stakeholders, including heraldic experts, graphic designers, and representatives from different cultural and linguistic groups. The design process was guided by the principles of inclusivity, diversity, and symbolism. The final design was chosen from a shortlist of four designs, and was unveiled on April 27, 2000, to coincide with the country’s Freedom Day celebrations.
The national coat of arms of South Africa is a powerful symbol of the country’s identity and heritage. It reflects