South Africa National Defence Force Flags

Last modified: 2005-09-17 by bruce berry
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• South African National Defence Force Flag (2003 - )
• South African National Defence Force Flag (1994-2003)
• South African Defence Force ensign (1981-1994)
• Union (later South African) Defence Force ensign (1947-1981)

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South African National Defence Force Flag (2003 - )

"IMPLEMENTATION OF NEW SANDF FLAGS, EMBLEM AND MEDAL SERIES
Another milestone in the transformation process will be the implementation of the new SANDF flags, depicting the new SANDF emblem. A complete new medal series is also to be introduced.

On Friday, 25 April 2003, the old SANDF emblem is to be phased out in a Retreat Ceremony. The old SANDF flag will be lowered at the SAAF Gymnasium Parade ground at 18h00, during which the respective Chiefs of the Services will hand back the old SANDF flags to the Chief of the SANDF, General Siphiwe Nyanda.

A colourful parade will take place on Tuesday 29 April 2003, constituting a very visible identity change for the SANDF. During this parade, General Nyanda will present the new SANDF flags and emblem to the senior echelon of the SANDF, as well as the representative groupings of members of all Services and Divisions. On this day the new medal series will also be presented to General Nyanda. This glorious event will start at 09h00 and is to take place at the Air Force Gymnasium.

The new SANDF emblem will incorporate the nine-pointed "Star" representing the warm sun of Africa and the nine provinces. The Star is also used in divisional emblems and flags to reflect a common corporate identity coupled to a divisional-unique devise to still enable a Division to demonstrate uniqueness. The four Services are represented in their respective traditional colours. The emblem also reinforces the idea of military identity, authority and dignity.

The use of the green and gold are the traditional colours used to reflect the corporate identity of the Department of Defence. Green can also be seen as referring to the natural wealth of Africa while gold can be seen as a reference to the mineral wealth as well as nobility and purity.
Jan Oskar Engene, 2 May 2003

At a Retreat ceremony held on Friday 25 April 2003, the old South Africa