Coat of arms of South Africa

Coat of arms of South Africa (heraldic)

The coat of arms of South Africa is the official heraldic symbol of the Republic of South Africa. It was adopted on 27 April 2000, replacing the previous coat of arms that had been in use since 1910. The design reflects the diverse cultural heritage and natural beauty of the country.

Design

The coat of arms consists of several elements, each with its own symbolic meaning:

Crest

The crest features a Secretarybird with uplifted wings. The Secretarybird is a powerful bird of prey indigenous to Africa, symbolizing protection and the divine.

Shield

The central element of the coat of arms is a red shield with a golden pale. The pale contains two Khoisan figures facing each other, holding a spear and a knobkerrie. This symbolizes unity and the historical heritage of the indigenous people of South Africa.

Motto

The motto of the coat of arms is written in the ǀXam language: "!ke e: /xarra //ke," which translates to "Diverse people unite" in English. This reflects the country's commitment to unity and diversity.

Other Elements

• The Protea flower, a national symbol of South Africa, is depicted above the shield.
• The ears of wheat represent fertility and growth.
• The tusks of an African elephant symbolize wisdom, strength, moderation, and eternity.
• The rising sun represents the promise of rebirth and the source of life, light, and the ultimate wholeness of humanity.

Historical Background

The previous coat of arms, used from 1910 to 2000, featured a more traditional European heraldic design. The new coat of arms was introduced to better reflect the country's new democratic values and its rich cultural diversity.

Significance

The coat of arms is a symbol of the country's sovereignty and a representation of its people and their aspirations. It is used on official documents, government buildings, and other important state-related items.

See also

• Flag of South Africa
• National symbols of South Africa
• History of South Africa
• Secretarybird
• Khoisan