Flag of South Africa

Quick Facts: Who was Flag of South Africa?

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Flag of South Africa

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The national flag of South Africa, adopted in 1994, symbolizing unity and diverse history.

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Origins & Early Life

The national flag of South Africa was designed in March 1994 and adopted on 27 April 1994, during South Africa's 1994 general election, to replace the previous flag used from 1928–1994. The flag has horizontal bands of red (on the top) and blue (on the bottom), of equal width, separated by a central green band which splits into a horizontal "Y" shape, the arms of which end at the corners of the hoist side (and follow the flag's diagonals). The "Y" embraces a black isosceles triangle from which the arms are separated by narrow gold bands; the red and blue bands are separated from the green band and its arms by narrow white stripes. The stripes at the fly end are in the 5:1:3:1:5 ratio. Three of the flag's colours were taken from the flag of South Africa (1928–1994), itself derived from the flag of the Netherlands, and the Union Jack, while the remaining three colours were taken from the flag of the African National Congress.

Career & Major Achievements

Nicknames for the flag include the Seskleur (lit. 'six colour' in Afrikaans) and the Rainbow Flag. At the time of its adoption, the South African flag was the only national flag in the world to comprise six colours in its primary design, without a seal and brocade. The design and colours are a synopsis of the principal elements of the country's flag history. The colours themselves have no essential meaning.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

According to official South African government information, the South African flag is "a synopsis of principal elements of the country's flag history." Although different people may attribute personal symbolism to the individual colours or colour combinations, "no universal symbolism should be attached to any of the colours." The only symbolism in the flag is the V- or Y-shaped motif, which can be interpreted as "the convergence of diverse elements within South African society, taking the road ahead in unity." Frederick Gordon Brownell who created the flag has said that the green Y-shaped part of the flag was influenced by the chasubles worn by Anglican priests, and stated that he was influenced to include it as he grew up Anglican. From time to time, explanations of the meanings or symbolism of the flag's colours are published in various media, including official government publications and speeches by government officials. The flag consists of the four colours of the Vierkleur, expanded by the addition of black and gold, signifying South Africa's mineral wealth. Three of the colours – black, green, and gold – are found in the flag of the African National Congress. The other three – red, white, and blue – are used in the modern flag of the Netherlands and the flag of the United Kingdom; the colours white and blue were also found in the old flag of South Africa.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1928: 1928 Milestone — Three of the flag's colours were taken from the flag of South Africa (1928–1994), itself derived from the flag of the Netherlands, and the Union Jack, while the remaining three colours were taken from the flag of the African National Congress.
2. 1994: 1994 Milestone — The national flag of South Africa was designed in March 1994 and adopted on 27 April 1994, during South Africa's 1994 general election, to replace the previous flag used from 1928–1994.

Notable Quotes by Flag of South Africa

“Chilli red was chosen instead of plain red... or orange...” (1994)

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Flag of South Africa

True or False: “The South African flag has always been the only national flag in the world to comprise six colors.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While it was unique at the time of its adoption, other flags have since incorporated similar numbers or combinations of colors.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Abdullah al-Sallal — Historical peer (Died in 1994) (1994): Yemeni military officer and revolutionary who led the North Yemeni Revolution of 1962.
• Ahmed Ali (writer) — Historical peer (Died in 1994) (1994): Pioneering Urdu writer, poet, and diplomat from British India to Pakistan.
• Adam West — Historical peer (Born in 1928) (1928): American actor best known for portraying Batman in the 1960s and extensive voice work.
• Adrian Frutiger — Historical peer (Born in 1928) (1928): Pioneering Swiss typeface designer, master of sans-serif aesthetics.

Frequently Asked Questions about Flag of South Africa