South African Coat of Arms

A national coat of arms is the highest visualdevelopment of any potential. It relates to the
symbol of the State. The coat of arms is also anourishment of the people and signifies the
central part of the Great Seal, traditionallyagricultural aspects of the earth.
considered to be the highest emblem of theElephant Tusks:
State. Absolute authority is given to everyElephants symbolize wisdom, strength, moderation
document with an impression of the Great Sealand eternity.
on it, as this means that it has been approved byThe Shield:
the ruler of a country.It has a dual function as a vehicle for the display
A new coat of arms now replaces one that hasof identity and of spiritual defence.
served South Africa since 17 September 1910.The Human Figures:
The change reflects the aim of Government toThe figures are derived from images on the
highlight the democratic change in South Africa.Linton stone, a world famous example of South
THE DESIGN OF THE NEW COAT OF ARMS:African Rock Art, now housed and displayed in
The new Coat of Arms is a series of elementsthe South African Museum in Cape Town. The
organised in distinct symmetric oval shapes placedKhoisan, the oldest known inhabitants of South
on top of one another.Africa, and most probably of the earth, testify to
THE LOWER OVAL SHAPE OF FOUNDATION:a common humanity and heritage. The figures are
The first element is the motto, in a greendepicted in an attitude of greeting, symbolizing
semi-circle. Completing the semi-circle are twounity.
symmetrically placed pairs of elephant tusksThe Spear and Knobkierie:
pointing upwards. Within the oval shape formedDual symbols of defence and authority, they in
by the tusks are two symmetrical ears of wheatturn represent the powerful legs of the secretary
which in turn frame a centrally placed gold shield.bird. The spear and knobkierie are lying down,
The shape of the shield makes reference to asymbolising peace.
drum, and contains two human figures from KhoiThe Protea:
san rock art. The figures are depicted facing oneThe Protea is an emblem of the beauty of South
another in greeting and in unity. Above the shieldAfrica and its flowering. The Protea symbolizes
are placed a spear and a knobkierie, crossed in athe holistic integration of forces that grows from
single unit. These elements are arrangedthe earth and are nurtured from above. The
harmoniously to give focus to the shield andmost popular colours of Africa have been
complete the lower oval shape of Foundation.assigned to the Protea - green, gold, red and
THE UPPER OVAL SHAPE OF ASCENDANCE:black.
Immediately above the lower oval shape, is theThe Secretary Bird:
visual centre of the Coat of Arms, a Protea. TheThe secretary bird is characterised in flight, the
petals of the Protea are rendered in a triangularnatural consequence of growth and speed. It is
pattern reminiscent of the crafts of Africa. Thethe equivalent of the lion on earth. A powerful bird
secretary bird is placed above the Protea and thewhose legs - depicted as the spear and knobkierie
flower forms the chest of the bird. The secretary- serve it well in its hunt for snakes symbolising
bird stands with its wings uplifted in a regal stance.protection of the nation against its enemies. It is a
The distinctive head feathers of the secretarymessenger of the heavens and conducts its grace
bird crown a strong and vigilant head.upon the earth, in this sense it is a symbol of
The rising sun above the horizon is placeddivine majesty. Its uplifted wings are an emblem
between the wings of the secretary bird andof the ascendance of the nation, whilst
completes the oval shape of ascendance.simultaneously offering protection. It is depicted in
THE SYMBOLS OF THE NEW COAT OF ARMSgold, which clearly symbolizes its association with
The Motto:the sun and the highest power.
!KE E: /XARRA //KE, written in the KhoisanThe Rising Sun:
language of the /Xam people, literally meaning:An emblem of brightness, splendour and the
diverse people unite. On a collective scale it callssupreme principle of the nature of energy, it
for the nation to unite in a common sense ofsymbolizes the promise of rebirth, the active
belonging and national pride - Unity in Diversity.faculties of reflection, knowledge, good judgment
The Ears of Wheat:and willpower. It is the symbol of the source of
An emblem of fertility, it also symbolizes the idealife, of light and the ultimate wholeness of
of germination, growth and the feasibleHumanity.