What do the colours of the South African Flag represent? The current national flag of South Africa was first appointed in April 1994, after the first free election in South Africa, to represent the end of Apartheid and the new democratic South Africa. Designed by Frederick G. Brownell, the flag has horizontal bands of red on the top and blue on the bottom, separated by a central green band, splitting into a horizontal 'Y' shape.
The Y forms an isosceles triangle from which the arms are separated by narrow yellow bands. The red and blue bands are separated from the green band and its arms by narrow white stripes. The South African flag is the only national flag in the world that has six colours and without a seal and brocade.
The flag means different things to different people. According to the flag's designer, the red symbolizes the blood that was shed during the various wars and conflicts in the country. It is also suggested that the blue represents the sky and the two oceans that flank the country. The green symbolizes the farms and the rich, natural environment of the country, while the yellow represents the natural resources, particularly gold. Finally, it is said that the black represents black South Africans, while the white represents the white population of the country.
Ironically, three of the colours - black, green and yellow - are also colours found in the flag of the African National Congress, despite the official denial of symbolism. The other three colours - red, white and blue - are the colours used in the flag of the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, as well as the old South African flag. This could be seen as a representation of the unity between the two South African traditions. What is the South African Coat of Arms? The National Coat of Arms, or state emblem, is the highest visual symbol of the State. The national Coat of Arms was launched on Freedom Day on the 27 April 2000. The change was a reflection of the government's aim to highlight the new democratic South Africa and a new sense of patriotism. The Coat of Arms is a series of elements organized in a distinct symmetric egg-like shape, placed on top of one another.
The first element is the motto circumscribed 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 sheaths of wheat framing a gold shield. The shape of the shield refers to the drum and contains two human figures derived from Khoisan rock art. The figures are face to face greeting each other, representing unity. Above the shield is a spear and a knobkerrie crossed in a single unit. These elements are arranged harmoniously to give focus to the shield and complete the lower oval shape of foundation. Directly above the oval shape of the foundation is the visual centre of the Coat of Arms, a protea, South Africa's national flower. The petals of the protea form a triangular pattern, reminiscent of the crafts of Africa.
A secretary bird is placed above the protea and the flower forms the chest of the bird. The bird’s wings are uplifted in a regal gesture, with distinctive head feathers. The rising sun above the horizon is situated between the wings of the bird and completes the oval shape. | 
