South African Flag

The end of apartheid saw the adoption of the South African flag on April 27, 1994. The national flag was representative of the first newly elected democratic government that stood for all South Africans. Many flag designs were submitted for approval but the interim flag that was designed by Frederick G. Brownell was clearly the winner and was made the final national flag. It is perceived as the enduring symbol of the newly formed South African state.

Description of The Flag

On the top of the South African flag there are horizontal bands of red and on the bottom there are horizontal bands of blue. These bands are of equal width and a central green band separates the red and blue bands. The green band is further split into a horizontal ‘Y’shape and its arms end at the corners of the hoist side. A black isosceles triangle is enclosed in the Y and narrow yellow bands separate the arms. Narrow white stripes separate the red and blue bands from the green bands and its arms. A ratio of 5:1:3:1.5 is used for the stripes at the fly end.

The South African flag is made up of six colors and it does not have any seal or brocade. These are the unique features that distinguish it from any other national flag of the world.

Proper Display and Respect for the Flag

Proper display and respect for the South African flag is essential as per South African law. The flag should not touch the ground or floor and it should not be used for the following purposes: as a table cloth or as a drape in front of a platform, for covering a cornerstone, plaque or statue at any ceremony, for the start or finish of any competition, as underclothes, floor or bath mats or any other such lowly application. Neither should there be any advertising of commercial that might disgrace the flag.

The South African flag cannot be manufactured or reproduced in any way without the specific permission of the president of South Africa.

 

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