Editing Coat of arms of South Africa (section)

==History==
Following the end of [[apartheid]], the new [[constitution of South Africa]] initially retained the coat of arms granted to South Africa in 1910. However, they had been viewed as outdated due to being designed by the British and Afrikaner minorities and not being representative of the black majority.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-4196976.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161008201708/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-4196976.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2016-10-08 |title=Finding Symbols For New S. Africa. Citizens Submit 7,000 Flag Designs |work=[[Chicago Sun-Times]]|via=HighBeam |access-date=2023-11-30}}</ref> The design process for a new coat of arms was initiated in 1999, the [[Department of Arts and Culture (South Africa)|Department of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology]] requested ideas for the new coat of arms from the public. A brief was then prepared based on the ideas received, along with input from the [[Cabinet of South Africa|Cabinet]]. The [[Government Communication and Information System]] then approached Design South Africa to brief ten of the top designers. Three designers were chosen to present their concepts to the Cabinet, and Iaan Bekker's design was chosen.

The new arms were introduced on Freedom Day, 27 April 2000. The change reflected the government's aim to highlight the democratic change in South Africa and a new sense of patriotism.

The coat of arms is a series of elements organised in distinct symmetric egg-like or oval shapes placed on top of one another. The completed structure of the coat of arms combines the lower and higher oval shape in a symbol of infinity. The path that connects the lower edge of the scroll, through the lines of the tusks, with the horizon above and the sun rising at the top, forms the shape of the cosmic egg from which the secretary bird rises. In the symbolic sense, this is the implied rebirth of the spirit of the great and heroic nation of South Africa.

The coat of arms is also a central part of the Seal of the Republic, traditionally considered to be the highest emblem of the state.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://issuu.com/logobr/docs/corp_id_full/46|title=Brand Guidelines Republic of South Africa|date=29 June 2013 }}</ref> Absolute authority is given to every document with an impression of the Seal of the Republic on it, as this means that it has been approved by the president of South Africa. Since 1997, however, the use of the Seal of the Republic has not actually been required by the Constitution, but it continues to be used.

=== [[Boer Republics]] ===
<gallery>
File:Coat of arms of the South African Republic.svg|'''[[South African Republic|Transvaal Republic]]'''
File:Coat of Arms of the Orange Free State.svg|'''[[Orange Free State]]'''
File:Coat of arms of Stellaland.svg|'''[[Stellaland|Republic of Stellaland]]'''
File:Coat of arms of the Nieuwe Republiek.svg|'''[[Nieuwe Republiek]]'''
File:Klein Vrystaat seal.jpg|'''[[Klein Vrystaat]]'''
</gallery>

=== Colonies ===
<gallery>
File:Badge of the Transvaal Colony (1904–1910).svg|'''[[Transvaal Colony]]'''
File:Orange River Colony coat of arms.svg|'''[[Orange River Colony]]'''
File:Badge of the Natal Colony 1875-1907.svg|'''[[Colony of Natal]]'''
File:Coat of arms of the Cape Colony 1876-1994.svg|'''[[Cape Colony]]'''
</gallery>

=== [[Bantustan|Bantustans]] ===
<gallery>
File:Coat of arms of Bophuthatswana.svg|[[Bophuthatswana]]
File:Coat of arms of Ciskei.svg|[[Ciskei]]
File:Coat of arms of Gazankulu.svg|[[Gazankulu]]
File:Coat of arms of KaNgwane.svg|[[KaNgwane]]
File:Coat of arms of KwaNdebele.svg|[[KwaNdebele]]
File:Coat of arms of KwaZulu.jpg|[[KwaZulu]]
File:Lebowa coat of arms.jpg|[[Lebowa]]
File:Coat of arms of QwaQwa.svg|[[QwaQwa]]
File:Coat of arms of Transkei 2.svg|[[Transkei]]
File:Coat of arms of the Republic of Venda.svg|[[Venda]]
</gallery>