On 27 April 2026, South Africa will be celebrating Freedom Day.
Thirty-two years ago, our country witnessed the first democratic elections taking place. It also saw the introduction of the national Constitution.
In commemoration of this day, the South African government launched the current coat of arms in 2000 – one that consists of elaborate and intricate symbols that each speak of the various components that define the Rainbow Nation.
COAT OF ARMS BREAKDOWN
With Freedom Day just around the corner, this is the perfect opportunity to unpack South Africa’s coat of arms.
Let’s take a look:
1. RISING SUN
Nothing symbolises life, light and splendour quite like the sun. Crowning the coat of arms, the rising sun is emblematic of all of these things. It also symbolises rebirth and reflection, themes that ring true in a post-Apartheid South Africa.
2. SECRETARY BIRD
“The secretary bird stands with its wings uplifted in a regal and uprising gesture,” says the SA government. “The distinctive head feathers of the secretary bird crown a strong and vigilant head.”
A majestic sight, the gold-shaded secretary bird in flight is a metaphor for Mzansi’s ascendance as a nation.
3. PROTEA
Making up the secretary bird’s body is the King Protea, our national flower. It signifies courage, as well as change and transformation across cultures. It’s also a nod to the beauty of our land.
As for its colour scheme – green, gold, black and red – these are the most popular hues associated with Africa.
4. SPEAR AND KNOBKIERIE
The secretary bird’s feet consist of a spear and knobkierie crossed together. The symbolism of these is two-fold: protection of our land and, given they are lying down, peace.
5. ELEPHANT TUSKS
The elephant tusks are akin to four curved, golden pillars. Together, they represent wisdom, strength, moderation and eternity.
6. SHIELD
The shield, as explained by the government, “has a dual function as a vehicle for the display of identity and of spiritual defence. It contains the primary symbol of our nation.”
7. HUMAN FIGURES
The aforementioned display of identity is represented by the two human figures, their forms inspired by South African rock art.
“As the oldest known inhabitants of our land, the Khoisan are a testament to our common humanity and heritage as South Africans,” says South Africa Online. “The figures in the image are depicted in an act of greeting one another; this is to symbolise unity.”
8. EARS OF WHEAT
Two ears of wheat frame the shield. It’s a tribute to South Africa’s bounty. Additionally, they represent fertility, nourishment and growth as a nation.
9. THE MOTTO
Forming the foundation of the coat of arms is our national motto, ensconced in a green banner. It reads “!ke e: /xarra //ke” – translated from the Khoisan language of the /Xam people, it means “Diverse people unite.”
Our country is made up of various cultures, each with its own identity. Diversity can give rise to exchanges of knowledge, empowerment and equity. And so, together, we share a deep sense of belonging and national pride.
LET FREEDOM DAY REIGN
All these symbols fit within two oval shapes: the oval shape of ascendance (from the rising sun to the King Protea) and the oval shape of foundation (from the shield and knobkierie to the motto). Together, these shapes harmoniously form an infinity symbol.
Now that you know what makes up the coat of arms, you can gain a better understanding of its significance. The symbols are indicative of the principles that hundreds of thousands of South Africans from all walks of life fought for during the Apartheid regime.
What’s more, they are principles that we must continue to uphold, for the sake of our predecessors’ honour and that of future generations.
It’s an important message, one we need to remember this coming Freedom Day and beyond.
