South Africans celebrate their diversity through their country’s national symbols.
As a result, the national symbols of South Africa promote national unity and togetherness among the citizens.
Discover the South African national symbols and their meanings below.
South Africans celebrate their heritage, culture, and identity through national emblems. Photo: @Frans van Heerden, @Karolina Kaboompics, @gardenroutegamelodge (modified by author)Source: UGC
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The historical meanings behind South Africa’s national symbols make them patriotic symbols.
It replaced the earlier national arms, which had been in use since 1910.
Here are the meanings of the elements found in the South African Coat of Arms:
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The national Coat of Arms is the main heraldic insignia of South Africa. Photo: @PresidencyZA, @SANationalDefenceForce on Facebook (modified by author)Source: UGC
White represents the white people, while black represents the Black people who live in South Africa.
The national anthem
The national anthem of South Africa was adopted in 1997.
King Protea possesses the biggest flower head ever recorded by botanists.
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Its gigantic flower head has earned it Englishnameslike the “Giant Protea” and the “Honeypot.”
King Protea was declared a South African flower because of its beauty and prolific dominance in the country.
About 92% of the species occur only in the Cape Floristic Region.
Nicknames for SA’s national flag include the Seskleur (six colors) and the Rainbow flag. Photo: @Ubuntu Images on Pexels.com, @AIArtUniversee on Facebook (modified by author)Source: UGC
The plant is very common in the south and southwestern regions ofSAs Table Mountainand Fynbos terrain.
The plant is mythologically associated with beauty, resilience, change, and transformation.
South Africa’s horticultural farms grow over 80 varieties ofKing Proteabecause of its intriguing characteristics.
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The tree’s high-quality wood was historically used to make household products.
The Zulu people call it Umkhoba while the Xhosas call it Mogobagoba.
The Yellowwood (Podocarpus Latifolius) is a large tree with evergreen leaves throughout the year.
The lyrics of SA’s national anthem combine Xhosa, Zulu, Sesotho, Afrikaans, and English languages. Photo: @Pavel Danilyuk on Pexels.com, @KFMza on Facebook (modified by author)Source: UGC
Botanically, it belongs to the species Podocarpaceae under the diverse conifer family.
It thrives in the harsh terrains of Afro-temperate forested areas.
The Springbok antelope
Springbok is considered the national animal of South Africa.
Protea is a South African national symbol because it grows countrywide. Photo: pixabay.com, @VictorMacGill, @clairelightsabre (modified by author)Source: UGC
Its name was derived from theAfrikaans ethnic group.
To them, “spring” means to jump, and “bok” means “goat.”
The antelope is the emblem of the South African nationalrugbyteam (also known as the “Springboks”).
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The team’s colors and uniform are also inspired by this wild animal.
The native Springbok antelope belongs to the Antidorcas Marsupialis species.
It is only found in the southern and southwest regions of Africa.
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you might identify this antelope through its distinctive features.
It has a slim body with a long neck and legs.
These animals are found in the relatively dry areas of South Africa, such as the Karoo region.
The native Yellowwood was historically used to make household products. Photo: pexels.com, @Masood Aslami, @Viviana Ceballos (modified by author)Source: UGC
you’ve got the option to spot them grazing at sunrise and sunset.
Scientifically, it is known as Dichistius Capensis.
Galjoen is a good source of protein and promotes commercial and game fishing activities in South Africa.
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The fish is a marine equivalent to the Springbok antelope.
The Galjoen is considered a South African national emblem.
The fish thrive in shallow waters (10 m depth), especially in South Africa’s coral reefs.
The Springbok antelope is the emblem of the South African national rugby team. Photo: pexels.com, @Frans van Heerden, @Pixabay (modified by author)Source: UGC
As a result, they dominate South Africa’s coastal regions, specifically the stretch from Angola to SA.
A mature one can reach an impressive body length of 80 cm and an average weight of 6.5 kg.
The Blue Crane bird
The Blue Crane is the national bird of South Africa.
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Scientifically, it is referred to as Grus Paradise.
MatureBlue Cranesreach an average height of 100-120cm.
The birds patch their nests and feed on grass and insects.
The Galjoen fish thrive in shallow waters in South Africa’s coral reefs. Photo: @Mike Rogers on Pexels.com, @rademeyerfish on Facebook (modified by author)Source: UGC
They dominate grassy pastured terrains like grassy hills and valleys with wetlands and minimal tree growth.
Blue Cranes symbolize bravery and beauty in some South African tribes.
The warriors display the feathers in their hair.
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A significant decline in the Blue Crane population was recorded in early 1980.
As a result, the government is actively involved in their conservation.
How many symbols are there in South Africa?
Xhosa chiefs crown brave warriors with the Blue Crane feathers. Photo: @whatwherewhenKZN, @gardenroutegamelodge on Facebook (modified by author)Source: UGC
What are the national symbols of South Africa?
The native Springbok antelope is South Africa’s national animal symbol.
What is the symbol of the South African culture?
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What is South Africa’s national tree?
The native Yellowwood tree is considered the national tree of South Africa.
What is the South African peace symbol?
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The spear and knobkierie on the national Coat of Arms represent peace.
What is South Africa’s national color?
What animal represents Zulu?
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The leopard isrevered as a totem animalamong the Zulu, who call it “Ingwe.”
For them, the leopard symbolizes all that is noble, courageous, and honorable.
Zulu royalty wears leopard skins in ceremonial events.
South Africans are generally affectionate, protective, and expressive.
So, their national symbols are one way of expressing their identity to the world.
Briefly.co.za shared images of thebest tribal tattoosfor men and women.
These tattoos are a form of identification, with symbols representing different tribes or social groups.
Some tribes use tattoos as a rite of passage or for ceremonial or spiritual purposes.
In some cases, tribal tattoos were used to mark enslaved people or criminals.
She has a Bachelor of Commerce & IT from the University of Nairobi and joined Briefly.co.za in November 2019.
The writer completed a Google News Initiate Course.
you could email her at perisrodah254@gmail.com.
