National Symbols

National Symbols

Our National Coat of Arms

Rising sun, symbol of energy

Secretary bird, fighter and protector

Protea, symbol of diversity and potential

National motto in !Xam - unity in diversity

Ears of wheat represent fertility and growth

Shield with Khoisan figures, symbols of a shared heritage

Spear and knobkierie, symbols of State Authority and peace

Elephant tusks symbolise wisdom, strength, moderation and eternity

South Africa's national flower is the Protea, named after the Greek God, Proteus, who could change his shape at will.

The endangered Blue Crane is the national bird.

The Springbok gazelle is the national animal.

Click to hear our National Anthem

Nkosi sikilel 'iAfrica

maluphakanyisw' uphondo lwayo

yizwa imithandazo yethu

Nkosi sikilela

thina lusapho lwayo

Morena boloka sechaba sa heso

o fedise dintwa le matshwenyeho

o se boloke, o se boloke

sechaba sa heso, sechaba sa

South Africa

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

The national flag of the Republic of South Africa 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 were 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 of the National Coat of Arms, "Unity is Strength".

Embassy Staff

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