Flag of South Africa - Colours, Meaning, History ??

South Africa is a country rich in diversity and history. The state has a complex mix of ethnicities, cultures, and languages. This diversity is reflected in the country’s flag, which consists of six colours; black, yellow, white, green, blue, and red. The national flag embodies the rainbow characteristics of the country with its diverse ethnicities. It is also a symbol of a long struggle for freedom in a country that was once in the shackles of apartheid.

History of the Flag of South Africa

The design of the South African flag originated from a former South African State Herald known as Fred Brownell. The flag was hoisted for the first time on April 27, 1994. The decision to adopt Brownell’s flag did not come easily. In 1993, a public competition was held in a bid to find a new design for the new nation. The National Symbols Commission received more than 7000 entries. Out of the 7000, only six designs were presented to the negotiating council and the public. However, none of the designs were satisfactory. The committee reached out to some design councils for ideas for the new flag. Still, no design was selected. It was on March 15th, 1994, that the Transitional Executive Council accepted Brownell’s design.

Before 1994, the flag that was used was based on the flag of the Dutch Prince William of Orange-Nassau (William of Orange). The flag consisted of three primary colors: orange, white, and blue. The colours appeared in three horizontal bands with orange at the top, white in the middle, and blue at the bottom. In the middle of the white stripe were three small flags connected. The three flags were the flag of the Orange Free State, the UK red ensign flag, and at the center was the flag of the South African Republic. The country at the time was torn, with different territories taking on different flags. In 1928, there was the red ensign flag with the flag of Britain at the top left corner. The flag at the time consisted of the UK’s Union Jack at the bottom right corner of the red ensign. Although the country became a republic in 1961, black segregation was still strife. The Afrikaner majority despised the red ensign flag with the UK symbol. It was only after 1971 that the UK flag was replaced with the flag of the Dutch.

The flag of South Africa was designed in a bid to unify the flag under one banner. This flag was formed as part of the negotiation process that began when Nelson Mandela was released from prison in 1990. Three of the flag’s colors were derived from the flag of the Boer republic. These colours include red, white, and blue. However, in the Boer flag, instead of red, the color was orange. The yellow, black, and green are found in the flag of the African National Congress (ANC). There was a unanimous agreement that the flag should hold no official symbolism due to the country’s diverse cultures and turbulent past. However, according to the designer of the flag, the red symbolizes the bloodshed in the country’s various wars and conflicts. The post-1994 flag that is still in use evokes much emotion. To some, the flag is a symbol of the rainbow nation, a nation with a rich, diversified culture. However, to others, the flag is a symbol of white supremacy and apartheid.

What is the meaning behind the colours of the South African Flag?

a) Colors

The flag of South Africa constitutes six colors: The red, white and blue from the Boer republic and the British flag. The green, black, and gold colors from the ANC. Although there is no official statement concerning the meaning of the colors, here are some interpretations:

Green is considered to symbolize the fertility of the land
Black symbolizes the African community
Gold represents the mineral wealth of the country
Blue represents the endless possibilities for South Africans

The flag contains a horizontal bicolor of red and blue, with a black triangle appearing at the hoist area. The red and blue band form a ‘Y’ shape that is colored green. The white stripes that form the ‘Y’ symbolize the union between African and European cultures. This white color is also a symbol of peace.

The other explanation for the flag’s colors is that the colors are symbols of the country’s past. The colors red, green, and black are common in African flags. On the other hand, European flags tend to have blue, white, and red. Therefore, the flag is a symbol of the union of African and European cultures. Red, yellow, and green are also Pan-African colors. Pan-Africanism is a movement that fought for the liberation of Africa from white dominance. Pan-Africanism is founded on the ideals that Africans should be united based on common interests. To some, the colors are a symbol of the country’s two dominant political parties: The ANC (African National Congress) and the Democratic Alliance (DA); although it is important to note that the Democratic Alliance did not exist in 1994 when the flag was being formed.

According to government sources, the flag embodies basic concepts in the nation’s history. The only symbolism recognized by law is the ‘V’ or ‘Y’ shape. This shape symbolizes the convergence of diverse elements of the country and the journey ahead towards unity.

b) Shape

The flag of South Africa consists of the standard specification of the 2:3 ratio. The construction of the flag requires that the length of the pall is 1/5th that of the height. The width of the pall including the fimbriations is 1/3rd that of the flag’s length. The horizontal white stripes are 1/15th the height in their thickness. The colors are “chili” red, golden (not yellow), white, black, and blue (Reflex Blue) and spectrum green.

Interesting Facts about the Flag of South Africa

At the time of its construction, the flag of South Africa was the only flag in the world with six colors.
The flag was meant to serve as an interim flag for five years. However, since 1994, there has been no mention of a new flag. Also, the flag is recognized within the constitution (Act 108 of 1996).
South Africans are expected to adhere to the flag’s etiquette. This includes not letting the flag touch the ground. Also, the flag should not be used as a tablecloth or as a covering on any platform.
When the flag is raised with other national flags, it should be hoisted first and lowered last.
The flag must be hoisted in tournaments, from the beginning to the end.
The colors of the flag do not have any official symbolism. According to Frederick Brownell, when a flag does not have official symbolism it does not represent a synopsis of the country’s history. This allows all the people from diverse ethnicities to identify with the flag and form meaning. The design, on the other hand, symbolizes a converging path. This is a merger of both the past and the present.
The flag was approved by the president at the time, Nelson Mandela.
The meaning of the flag can be traced from the motto on South Africa’s National Coat of Arms, ‘! ke e:/xarra //ke’, which means, ‘Diverse people unite’.
The black, gold, and green are common colors in liberation movements, particularly, the Pan-African Congress (PAC) and the ANC.
The flag should always be accorded with dignity and respect. Information concerning the use of the flag can be obtained from the Government Gazette 22356, Notice 510 of June 8, 2001.