Flag of South Africa: Encyclopedia II - Flag of South Africa - Design

Flag of South Africa - Design

When the new flag was designed, it was specifically stated that the colours had no official meaning or symbolism, other than their choice from their use in the past. However, in recent times an unofficial consensus has been reached in terms of an accepted meaning for the flag and its colours. The pall (Y) is stated to symbolise the convergence as one unified nation. Whilst according to Brownell at the time, the red symbolises the blood shed in the country's various conflicts and wars. The blue represents the sky and the two oceans that surround the country. Whilst the green symbolises the farms and natural environment that are an essential part of South Africa. The yellow stands for the natural resources of South Africa, particularly gold. The black represents black South Africans - whilst doubling as a symbol of belonging with the rest of Africa - and the white represents white South Africans - whilst doubling as a symbol of peace.

Despite the official denial of symbolism, three of the colours – black, green and yellow – are found in the flag of the African National Congress. The other three – red, white and blue – are used in the flag of the Netherlands and the flag of the United Kingdom; these colours were also found in the old flag of South Africa, although with orange instead of red. The flag could thus be interpreted as a display of unity between the two South African traditions. Red, yellow and green are also the Pan-African colours.

Flag of South Africa - Colour

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Design", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki