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South African flag observed more closely

Last modified: 2005-08-26 by bruce berry
Keywords: south africa | construction sheet |
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[Flag of South Africa] by Mark Sensen and António Martins, 9 Mar 2000
flag adopted 27 Apr 1994 For all other South African pages see: See also:

Origin and colours of the new flag

The NY Times reports the color specifications as "Blue Black", "Gold Yellow", "Spectrum Green:, "Chili Red", "National Flag White" and "National Flag Blue". One wonders if the last is the same as "Old Glory Blue". The arms of the republic did not change until 2000, and continues to reflect the four defunct provinces.
Will Linden

South Africa's current flag - designed for the "interim" period - will remain the country's national flag under the final constitution which comes into force in 1999, the Constitutional Assembly (charged with writing the final constitution) recommended on 28 September 1995.
Bruce Berry, 2 Oct 1995

South Africans call this the "rainbow nation" based on the multi racial, multi ethnic and multi cultural composition of the country, hence many refer to the new flag as the "rainbow" flag.... I spend a considerable amount of time explaining that the gay movement already uses this phrase for their flag and that we should think of another term when referring to our national flag!!!
Bruce Berry, 9 May 1996

I remember when the current South African flag was hoisted on 27 April 1994, that it was to be in place for a five-year period with an option to renew - that five-year period, will be up in a few months, is there any movement to change the flag, or is the flag too well-loved there?
David Kendall, 13 Feb 1999

When the new SA flag was chosen it was regarded as an "interim" flag in line with the "interim" constitution through which South Africa achieved full democracy in 1994.  Subsequently, a Constitutional Assembly has drawn up a new Constitution (adopted on 8 May 1996 and amended on 11 October 1996) which was enacted by Parliament as Act Number 108 of 1996.  As part of the process in drawing up the new Constitution, the question was asked whether the flag should be retained or a new one designed.  The overwhelming response was the new flag should be retained.  Consequently, the flag is now "permanent" and is
described in Schedule 1 of the Constitution.
So the existing South African flag is here to stay.
Bruce Berry, 15 Feb 1999

The current South African flag was designed by Mr Fred Brownell, State Herald (and SAVA Chairperson).
Bruce Berry, 26 March 1999

Here is the flag as defined in the 1996 (most recent, permanent) Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Schedul