Editing Coat of arms of South Africa (section)

==Blazon==
The official blazon of the arms is:

{{Quote|''[[Or (heraldry)|Or]], representations of two San human figures of red [[ochre]], statant respectant, the hands of the innermost arms clasped, with upper arm, inner wrist, waist and knee bands [[Argent]], and a narrow border of red ochre; the shield ensigned of a spear and [[knobkierie]] in [[saltire#Heraldry and vexillology|saltire]], [[Sable (heraldry)|Sable]]. Thereabove a demi-secretary bird displayed Or, charged on the breast with a stylised representation of a protea flower with outer petals [[Vert (heraldry)|Vert]], inner petals Or and seeded of nine triangles conjoined in three rows, the upper triangle [[Gules]], the second row Vert, Or inverted and Vert, and the third row Vert, Or inverted, Sable, Or inverted and Vert. Above the head of the secretary bird an arc of seven rays facetted Or and [[Orange (heraldry)|Orange]], the two outer rays conjoined to the elevated wings.''

''Upon a riband Vert, the motto {{lang|xam|ǃKE E꞉ ǀXARRA ǁKE|italic=no}} in letters Argent. Issuant from the ends of the riband two pairs of elephant tusks curving inwards, the tips conjoined to the wings of the secretary bird, Or, therewithin and flanking the shields, two ears of wheat [[Brunatre|Brunatré]].<ref name=gg>[https://web.archive.org/web/20131103165923/http://www.gov.za/documents/download.php?f=66251 ''Government Gazette'' no 21131] (28 April 2000)</ref>''}}

===The oval shape of foundation===

The first element is the motto, in a green semicircle. Completing the semicircle are two symmetrically placed pairs of elephant tusks pointing upwards. Within the oval shape formed by the tusks are two symmetrical ears of wheat, that in turn frame a centrally placed gold shield.

The shape of the shield makes reference to the drum, and contains two human figures derived from [[Khoisan]] rock art ''Linton Stone'', which is housed and displayed in the [[Iziko South African Museum|South African Museum]] in Cape Town. The figures are depicted facing one another in greeting and in unity.

Above the shield are a spear and a [[Knobkerrie|knobkierie]], crossed in a single unit. These elements are arranged harmoniously to give focus to the shield and complete the lower oval shape of foundation.

*'''The motto'''
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| title        = Pronunciation of the South African Motto
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| description  = Pronunciation of the South African Motto.<br />Recorded 21 September 2024
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:The motto is: ǃke e꞉ ǀxarra ǁke, written in the [[Khoisan language]] of the [[ǀXam language|ǀXam]] people, literally meaning "diverse people unite". It addresses each individual effort to harness the unity between thought and action. On a collective scale it calls for the nation to unite in a common sense of belonging and national pride – unity in diversity.

*'''The ears of wheat'''
:An emblem of fertility, it also symbolises the idea of germination, growth and the feasible development of any potential. It relates to the nourishment of the people and signifies the agricultural aspects of the Earth.

*'''Elephant tusks'''
:Elephants symbolise wisdom, strength, moderation and eternity.

*'''The shield'''
:It has a dual function as a vehicle for the display of identity and of spiritual defence. It contains the primary symbol of our nation.

*'''The human figures'''
:[[File:Linton Panel IZIKO, Capetown DSC00228 (16091324620).jpg|thumb|The [[Linton Panel]], a famous San rock art displayed at the [[Iziko South African Museum]]; used as inspiration for the human figures on the shield.]]The figures are depicted in an attitude of greeting, symbolising unity. This also represents the beginning of the individual's transformation into the greater sense of belonging to the nation and by extension, collective humanity.

*'''The spear and knobkierie'''
: A dual symbol of defence and authority, they in turn represent the powerful legs of the [[secretary bird]]. The spear and [[knobkierie]] are lying down, symbolising peace.

===The oval shape of ascendance===

Immediately above the oval shape of foundation, is the visual centre of the coat of arms, a protea. The petals of the protea are rendered in a triangular pattern reminiscent of the crafts of [[Africa]].

The [[secretary bird]] is placed above the protea and the flower forms the chest of the bird. The secretary bird stands with its wings uplifted in a regal and uprising gesture. The distinctive head feathers of the secretary bird crown a strong and vigilant head.
The rising sun above the horizon is placed between the wings of the secretary bird and completes the oval shape of ascendance.

The combination of the upper and lower oval shapes intersect to form an unbroken infinite course, and the great harmony between the basic elements result in a dynamic, elegant and thoroughly distinctive design. Yet it clearly retains the stability, gravity and immediacy that a coat of arms demands.
*'''The King protea'''
:The [[protea]] is an emblem of the beauty of our land and the flowering of our potential as a nation in pursuit of the African Renaissance. The protea symbolises the holistic integration of forces that grow from the Earth and are nurtured from above. The most popular colours of Africa have been assigned to the protea – green, gold, red and black.
*'''The secretary bird'''
:The [[secretary bird]] is characterised in flight, the natural consequence of growth and speed. It is the equivalent of the [[Southern African lion|lion]] on Earth. A powerful bird whose legs – depicted as the spear and knobkierie – serve it well in its hunt for snakes, symbolising protection of the nation against its enemies. It is a messenger of the heavens and conducts its grace upon the Earth. In this sense it is a symbol of divine majesty. Its uplifted wings are an emblem of the ascendance of our nation, while simultaneously offering us its protection. It is depicted in gold, which clearly symbolises its association with the sun and the highest power.
*'''The rising sun'''
:An emblem of brightness, splendour and the supreme principle of the nature of energy. It symbolises the promise of rebirth, the active faculties of reflection, knowledge, good judgement and willpower. It is the symbol of the source of life, of light and the ultimate wholeness of humanity.