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South Africa

2:3~
by Mark Sensen and Antonio Martins, 9 Mar 2000
flag adopted 27 Apr 1994

Origin and colours of the new flag
Meaning of the flag

See also:

South African flag observed more closely

For all other South African pages see:

National index

Origin and colours of the new flag

The strips are red/orange and blue, the same of the previous flag. The added colors are the same of African National Congress's flag, which is composed of three equal horizontal strips: black, green and yellow. Therefore I argue that the new flag is the merge of the two flags. Apart from strips' colors (orange and blue instead of red and green), the color of the second fimbration (green instead of black) and the absence of a coat in the triangle, the new African flag is very similar to Vanuatu's one.
Giuseppe Bottasini

C-SPAN (Cable-Satellite Public Affairs Network), reporting on the election in South Africa, showed the "interim" flag which will be used for the next five years; the new parliament will choose a permanent flag. In English blazon, it is: Tierced in pairle couchy sable, gules and azure, a pairle couchy vert fimbriated or to dexter and argent to chief and base.
I think the interim flag for South Africa is said to be composed of the colours of flags of past administrations. Which is as plausible as anything, since it includes all the heraldic tinctures.
Anton Sherwood

The current South African flag was designed by