South Africa Flag

While officially no universal symbolism is attached to the colors, they carry historical and cultural significance. Black, yellow, and green represent the colors of the ruling ANC party. Red, white, and blue acknowledge the flags of European colonists and old Boer republics. Unofficial meanings include: Red - bloodshed and sacrifices in the struggle for independence; White - Europeans and peace between native people and Europeans; Green - fertility of South African land; Yellow - mineral wealth and natural resources; Black - native people of South Africa; Blue - blue sky and endless opportunities. The Y-shape represents convergence of diverse elements within South African society, taking the road ahead in unity.

The flag's creation began with Nelson Mandela's release in 1990, marking a need for a binding symbol of hope and freedom for the 'rainbow nation.' In 1993, a national competition invited public submissions for flag designs. The design process was urgent, with former State Herald Fred Brownell leading a committee given just one week to create the design. Brownell had made sketches the previous year at a vexillological conference in Switzerland. One design was selected by both sides of the transitional government and sent to Nelson Mandela in Rustenburg for approval by fax. The flag was first hoisted on April 27, 1994, during South Africa's first free elections, now celebrated as Freedom Day.

The flag features a distinctive Y-shaped or pall design with six colors arranged in specific bands. Starting from the hoist: a black isosceles triangle bordered by yellow/gold, which forms the stem of the Y. The upper arm is red, the lower arm is blue, with a green horizontal band extending to the fly end. A white fimbriation separates the red and blue sections from the green band. The design converges from the hoist in a V-formation, flowing into a single horizontal band toward the fly end. Color specifications include textile colors: Green (CKS 42c), Black (CKS 401c), White (CKS 701c), Gold (CKS 724c), Red (CKS 750c), Blue (CKS 762c).

Specific flag usage instructions are detailed in Government Gazette 22356, Notice 510 of June 8, 2001. When displayed vertically against a wall, the red band should be to the left of the viewer with the hoist at the top. When displayed horizontally, the hoist should be to the left with the red band at the top. When placed next to or behind a speaker, it must be positioned to the speaker's right. When placed elsewhere in a meeting venue, it should be to the right of the audience. The flag is traditionally flown on Freedom Day (April 27) and other national occasions. It should be treated with proper respect and dignity as a symbol of the democratic South Africa.