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It has come to the attention of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture that the Somali Association of South Africa appears to be incorporating the South African Coat of Arms, or a reproduction thereof, into its organisational logo and branding materials.

The South African Coat of Arms is one of our country’s most sacred national symbols. It embodies the sovereignty, heritage, and constitutional values of our democracy. Its use is strictly governed by the Heraldry Act 18 of 1962, which prohibits any person from using, manufacturing, or reproducing a state heraldic representation without the written authority of the State Herald. This protection applies to all persons and all organisations, without exception.

I wish to confirm that I have today formally referred this matter to Mr Thembinkosi Mabaso, State Herald of the Bureau of Heraldry, with instructions to:

∙    Conduct a formal investigation into whether the logo and branding materials of the Somali Association of South Africa constitute a contravention of the Heraldry Act;

∙    Issue the appropriate compliance notice requiring immediate cessation of any unauthorised use if a contravention is found; and

∙    Apply the full range of sanctions available under the Act should the association fail to comply.

The Bureau of Heraldry has been requested to report its findings to my office within ten working days.

The integrity of South Africa’s national symbols is non-negotiable. The Coat of Arms is not a decorative element available for adoption by any organisation that finds it convenient. It belongs to the people of South Africa and must be treated with the dignity and legal respect it commands. My department will act decisively wherever the law has been contravened, and this matter will be dealt with as a precedent for how such contraventions are handled going forward.

The Department will provide a further update once the Bureau of Heraldry has completed its assessment.

Issued by Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie