Issued by: Ministry of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology
South Africa will adopt a new national coat of arms on 1 January 2000.
The Minster of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology, Dr Ben Ngubane, announced that Cabinet has approved the implementation of a process leading to the adoption of a new national coat of arms, as well as a the cost implications thereof. Cabinet, earlier this year, approved the adoption of a new coat of arms. however, it was felt that the original budget of R62m was too high. The revised amount for the process will be R16.73m. It will include the replacement of coinage and is for a phase in period of at least three years.
The Minister said that the new coat of arms will be the result of a process that will involve the citizens of the Country. An invitation will be directed to the public to submit proposals for a new coat of arms.
The present national coat of arms, which was taken into use in 1910, is largely composed of elements from the Colonial era. As a result, it does not adequately reflect all of the people and cultures of the country.
Dr Ngubane said: "As is clear from the preamble to the Constitution, South African belongs to all who live in it, united in our diversity. It is our duty to build a united and democratic South Africa, able to take its rightful place as a sovereign state in the family of nations. The national coat of arms is an important symbol of sovereignty. It should convey this message of unity in diversity, not only to our own citizens, but to the world at large. It is thus of critical importance that the public at large be involved in putting forward proposals for the design of a new national coat of arms."
He said that these proposals will be considered and refined by the heraldry Council and submitted to Cabinet for consideration. Traditionally, a national coat of arms comprises a number of elements or symbols that are reflective of a country, its culture, and its peoples, for example: flora and fauna; cultural symbols and artifacts; natural phenomena; and a motto. members of the public will be invited through the Media to submit written proposals and/or designs for a new national coat of arms, as well as suitable motto.
The Minister said that it was the desire of Cabinet that the new national coat of arms should reflect the culture, identity and the aspirations of all the people of South Africa. To this end, the public at large; public representatives in Parliament and the provinces; members of NGOs; professional and cultural bodies; colleges; schools and other organisations throughout the country, will be invited to submit proposals for the design of a new national coat of arms for South Africa. Dr Ngubane said that it is earnestly hoped that the citizens of South Africa will respond with enthusiasm to this invitation to assist in the creation of this important new symbol of sovereignty and nationhood.
24 August 1999