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South Africa -Proposals for New Flags

Last modified: 2005-08-26 by bruce berry
Keywords: south africa | proposals | contest | competition | ramlukan (lalsingh) | natal witness |
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When the Union of South Africa was formed in 1910 the question of a national flag was not discussed. There was a flag competition with some 250 entries, but for the time being a British Red ensign with a shield in the fly from the coat-of-arms was used. This flag never became popular, and was rarely seen. Over the Union's government offices abroad the Blue ensign was flown.

In the early 1920s the Nationalists started to call for a national flag. In September/October 1924 The Sunday Times held a public competition. Out of thousands of entries the first prize was awarded to Mr. G.E. Remington of Johannesburg. His design consisted of green and yellow stripes to symbolize the four provinces.

The 'Walker' flag (1926)

[The 'Walker' flag] by Mark Sensen, 23 Mar 2000

In 1925 the government invited the public to send flag designs, some 3000 were received by February 1926. The appointed Select Committee failed to agree on a flag, mostly because the government parties wanted a 'clean flag', and the SAP (South African Party) wanted the Union Jack included (and the old flags of the Boer republics). The majority favoured the proposal submitted by historian Prof. Eric Walker. This so called 'Walker flag' consisted of a vertical red stripe at the hoist (for the Cape), and three horizontal stripes: green (for Transvaal), yellow (to replace the unheraldic orange for the Orange Free State) and blue (for Natal). Although a clean flag, it looked very much like the Transvaal Vierkleur and so did not find much popular favour.

The 'Cross flags' (1927)

[The 'White Cross flag'] by Mark Sensen, 23 Mar 2000

[The Red Cross flag] by Mark Sensen, 23 Mar 2000

[The Cross flag] by Mark Sensen, 23 Mar 2000

In 1927 the Flag Commission appointed by the government approved three designs. At first Design number 1 (orange over blue with a white cross) was favoured, but later Design number 2 (green with a St. George's cross fimbriated white) was put forward. This became known as the 'Red Cross flag'.

Flag Committee proposals (1927)