South Africa

The flag of South Africa consists of horizontal bands of red (top of the flag) and blue (bottom of the flag) of equal width separated by a green band which splits into a horizontal "Y shape" pointing towards the hoist side of the flag. The "Y shape" envelopes a black isosceles triangle featuring narrow yellow bands. The red and blue bands are also separated from the "Y shape" by narrow white bands. The red, white and blue colours of the flag were taken from the colours of the Boer republics whlilst the green, yellow and black colours of the flag were taken from the African National Congress flag. The flag's ratio is 2:3.

The present day flag of South Africa was first adpoted on 27 April 1994 and replaced the previous version of the South African flag which had been in use since 1928. The flag was designed by then Chief State Herald of South Africa, Frederick Bronwell. The new flag of South Africa was designed to represent the nation's new democracy following the abolition of apartheid and adoption of a democratic, multiracial constitution.

Official information provided by the South African government states that the South African flag is "a synopsis of principal elements of the country's flag history" and although different symbolisms have been attributed to the flag's colours by different people "no universal symbolism should be attached to any of the colours." However, the symbolism of the flag's "Y shape" is officially interpreted as "the convergence of diverse elements within South African society, taking the road ahead in unity".

The flag of South Africa flying at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney, Australia