Editing Coat of arms of South Africa

{{Short description|none}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2021}}
{{Use South African English|date=July 2012}}
{{Infobox coat of arms
|name             = Coat of arms of South Africa 
|image            = Coat of arms of South Africa (heraldic).svg
|image_width      = 200
|middle of=
|middle_width     = 
|middle_caption   = 
|lesser           = 
|lesser_alt       = 
|lesser_width     = 
|lesser_caption   = 
|armiger          = [[South Africa]]
|year_adopted     = {{Start date and age|2000|04|27|df=yes}}
|crest =  
|helm             = 
|mantling         = 
|torse            = 
|shield           = Arms: 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, Sable. Thereabove a demi-secretary bird displayed Or, charged on the breast with a stylized representation of a protea flower with outer petals 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, the two outer rays conjoined to the elevated wings.

Upon a riband Vert, the motto !KE E:/XARRA //KE 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 Brunatré.
|supporters       = 
|compartment      = 
|motto            = '''{{lang|xam|ǃke e꞉ ǀxarra ǁke}}''' <br> "Diverse People Unite" in [[Xam language|{{pipe}}Xam]]
|orders           = 
|other_elements   = 
|earlier_versions = 
|use              = {{Listen|pos=center|embed=yes|filename=South African Motto Pronunciation.oga|title=Pronunciation of the South African Motto|type=speech|description=Pronunciation of the South African Motto.<br />Recorded September 21, 2024}}
}}
{{Culture of South Africa}}

The '''coat of arms of South Africa''' is the main heraldic insignia of [[South Africa]]. The present [[coat of arms]] was introduced on [[Freedom Day (South Africa)|Freedom Day]], 27 April 2000, and was designed by Iaan Bekker.<ref>{{Cite web|title=15. Who designed the Coat of Arms? {{!}} Department of Sport, Arts and Culture|url=http://www.dac.gov.za/content/15-who-designed-coat-arms|access-date=2021-05-27|website=dac.gov.za}}</ref> It replaced [[#1910 arms|the earlier national arms]], which had been in use since 1910.<ref name=nps>Brownell, F.G. (1993).  ''National and Provincial Symbols''</ref> The motto is written in the extinct [[ǀXam language|ǀXam]], member of the [[Khoisan]] languages, and translates literally to "diverse people unite". The previous motto, in Latin, was ''{{lang|la|[[Ex Unitate Vires]]}}'', translated as "From unity, strength".

==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>

==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'''
{{Listen
| pos          = right
| embed        = yes
| filename     = South African Motto Pronunciation.oga
| title        = Pronunciation of the South African Motto
| type         = speech
| description  = Pronunciation of the South African Motto.<br />Recorded 21 September 2024
}}

: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.

==1910 arms==

The [[Coat of arms of South Africa (1910–2000)|first coat of arms]] was granted by [[King George V]] by royal warrant on 17 September 1910.<ref name=rw>''Government Gazette'' no 58 (15 November 1910)</ref> This was a few months after the formation of the [[Union of South Africa]].

It was a combination of symbols representing the four provinces (formerly colonies) that made up the Union. 
*The first quarter is the figure of Hope, representing the [[British Cape Colony|Colony of the Cape of Good Hope]].
*The two [[wildebeest]]s of the second quarter represent the [[Colony of Natal]].
*The orange tree in the third quarter was used as the symbol of the [[Orange Free State Republic]].
*The wagon in the fourth quarter represented the [[South African Republic|Transvaal]].
*The supporters are taken from the arms of the Orange River Colony and the Cape Colony.
*The [[Lion (heraldry)|lion]] holds four rods, bound together, symbolising the unification of the four former colonies.

The motto, ''{{lang|la|[[Ex Unitate Vires]]}}'' was officially translated as "Union is Strength" until 1961, and thereafter as "Unity is Strength".

===Evolution===
{{Main article|Coat of arms of South Africa (1910–2000)}}
Three official renditions of the arms were used. The original rendition (1910) was the only version used until 1930, and it continued to be used as the rank badge of warrant officers in the [[South African Defence Force]] and [[South African National Defence Force]] until 2002. The second version, painted in 1930 and known as the "ordinary coat of arms", and the third version, painted in 1932 and known as the "embellished coat of arms", were both used until 2000. The former was also used on the insignia of the [[South African Police]] until the 1990s.

{| border="0" style="table-layout:fixed;text-align:center;width:100%"
|-
| [[File:Coat of arms of South Africa (1910–1930).svg|200px]]
| [[File:Coat of arms of South Africa (1930–1932).svg|200px]]
| [[File:Coat of Arms of South Africa (1932-2000).svg|200px]]
|- 
| 1910
| 1930
| 1932
|}

==Provincial arms==
===1910–1994===
Between 1910 and 1994, South Africa was divided into four provinces, [[Cape Province]], [[Natal (province)|Natal]], [[Orange Free State (province)|Orange Free State]] and [[Transvaal (province)|Transvaal]]. These provinces had their own coat of arms.

<gallery>
File:Coat of arms of the Cape Colony 1876-1994.svg|[[Coat of arms of the Cape Colony|Coat of arms of]] [[Cape Province]]
File:Coat of Arms of the Orange Free State.svg|[[Coat of arms of the Orange Free State|Coat of arms of]] [[Orange Free State (province)|Orange Free State]]
File:Coat of Arms of the Transvaal Province.png|[[Coat of arms of the Transvaal|Coat of arms of]] [[Transvaal (province)|Transvaal]]
File:Coat of arms of Natal 1907-1997.svg| [[Coat of arms of Natal|Coat of arms of]] [[Natal (province)|Natal]]
</gallery>

=== 1994–present ===
In April 1994, South Africa was divided into [[Provinces of South Africa|nine provinces]]. Each province was granted a coat of arms, in most cases designed by State Herald [[Frederick Brownell]].

<gallery>
File:Flag of the Eastern Cape Province.png|Coat of arms of  [[Eastern Cape]]
File:Flag of the Free State Province.png|Coat of arms of  [[Free State Province]]
File:Flag of the Gauteng Province.png|Coat of arms of  [[Gauteng]]
File:Flag of the KwaZulu-Natal Province.png|Coat of arms of [[KwaZulu-Natal]]
File:Flag of the Limpopo Province.png|Coat of arms of [[Limpopo]]
File:Old Flag of the Mpumalanga Province.png|Coat of arms of [[Mpumalanga]]
File:Flag of the North West Province.png|Coat of arms of  [[North West Province]]
File:Flag of the Northern Cape Province.png|Coat of arms of  [[Northern Cape]]
File:Flag of the Western Cape Province.png|[[Coat of arms of the Western Cape|Coat of arms of]]  [[Western Cape]]
</gallery>

==See also==
{{Portal|South Africa|Heraldry}}
*[[South African heraldry]]
*[[Coat of arms of the Orange Free State]]
*[[Coat of arms of the Cape Colony]]
*[[Coat of arms of Natal]]
*[[Coat of arms of the Transvaal]]
*[[Coat of arms of the Orange River Colony]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [https://www.gov.za/about-sa/national-coat-arms National Coat of Arms | South African Government]
* [http://hubert-herald.nl/INHOUD.htm South Africa Heraldry History]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20020127040104/http://www.ngw.nl/int/zaf/zaf-nat.htm Past and present]

{{Coat of arms of Africa}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Coat of Arms of South Africa}}
[[Category:National coats of arms|South Africa]]
[[Category:National symbols of South Africa]]
[[Category:South African heraldry]]
[[Category:Coats of arms with tusks|South Africa]]
[[Category:Coats of arms with spears|South Africa]]
[[Category:Coats of arms with wheat|South Africa]]
[[Category:Coats of arms with birds|South Africa]]
[[Category:National emblems with birds|South Africa]]
[[Category:Coats of arms introduced in 2000|South Africa]]