The National Flag of South Africa

The national flag of the Republic of South Africa was first used on 27 April 1994.The design and colours are a synopsis of principal elements of the country's flag history. Individual colours, or colour combinations were different meanings for different people and therefore no universal symbolism should be attached to any of the colours.

The central design of the flag, beginning at the flagpost in a "V" form and flowing into a single horizontal band to the outer edge of the fly, can be interpreted as the convergence of diverse elements within South African society, taking the road ahead in unity. The theme of convergence and unity ties in with the motto of the National Coat of Arms, "Unity is Strength".

Specific instructions with regard to the use of the national flag can be found in the Government Gazette, Vol 346, no 15694 of 26 April 1994. The flag was designed by State Herald, Mr F Brownell.

Colour specifications

Textile colours

Green - CKS 42 c Spectrum green
Black - CKS 401 c Blue black
White - CKS 701 c National flag white
Gold - CKS 724 c Gold yellow
Red - CKS 750 c Chilli red
Blue - CKS 762 c National flag blue

Approximate Pantone equivalents

Green - 3415 c
Gold 1235 c
Red 179 c
Blue reflex blue c

Flying the National Flag

The following instructions which are of interest to the public at large, are contained in a Government Notice published by the then Office of the State President on 26 April 1994.

When the National Flag is displayed vertically against a wall, the red band should be to the left of the spectator with the hoist or the cord seam uppermost; when it is displayed horizontally, the hoist should be to the left of the spectator and the red ban uppermost.

When the National Flag is displayed next to or behind the speaker in a hall or meeting place, for example with him on a stage, it must be place on the speaker’s right hand. When it is placed elsewhere in the hall or meeting place it should be to the right of the audience.

When the National Flag is displayed together with –

• any other flags, it must be hoisted first and lowered last;
• the national flags of other countries, all the flags should be of approximately equal size and must be flown at an equal height, and the National Flag of the Republic of South Africa must be on the right side of the building or platform (that is to say, on the left side form the observer’s point of view);
• any other flags, not being other national flags, on separate flagstaffs, the National Flag must be in the middle or on the left side from the observer’s point of view or at the highest point of the group;
• any other flags on the same flagstaff, it must be at the top;
• any other flag on crossed staffs, the National Flag must be to the spectators’ left and its staff must be in front of the staff of the other flag; and
• another flag or flags in procession, the National Flag must be on the marching right. If there is a row of flags, the provisions of (c) above apply.