Photo: SA Gov
Photo: SA Gov
South Africa has had its distinct Coat of Arms for the past 20 years – but a new campaign has been launched to get it changed this year, and support for the movement is growing across the country.
Why do people want to change South Africa’s Coat of Arms?
The #ChangeForHer initiative was launched by Newzroom Afrika, and it aims to ensure that all women are represented on the most important emblem within our society. The South Africa Coat of Arms features two men on the crest, but a female presence is nowhere to be seen. According to the campaign, the time has come to move on from our ‘outdated process’ of thought:
“The national symbol of our country, on all official documents from birth to death only bears the image of two men. The time has now come to change that. The time is now to replace the two men with one man and one woman – in a symbolic gesture that will move South Africa forward in a deep and meaningful manner.”
#ChangeForHer
Who supports the #ChangeForHer campaign?
On Wednesday, political and business heavyweights threw their support behind #ChangeForHer. Mayor of the City of Ekurhuleni, Mzwandile Masina, and Black Business Council President, Sandile Zungu, both believe that altering the Coat of Arms will be a major step forward for South Africa as a nation:
“Let me add my voice of support for this noble campaign launched by Newzroom Afrika, which calls for the Coat of Arms to be changed to depict a male and female, instead of two men. Equality and inclusivity is enshrined in our Constitution, let’s do the right thing!”
Mayor of the City of Ekurhuleni, Mzwandile Masina
“I stand behind the campaign to change one of the symbols on our Coat of Arms to distinctly represent a woman. It was a mistake in the first place that our gender diversity was not represented in this design. We can change this, and if we do so, we change the nation forever – and for good.”
Black Business Council President, Sandile Zungu
What would a new Coat of Arms look like? [photo]
So, how would the Coat of Arms look after a makeover? Well, we’ve got the new design here. Not a great deal would be changed at all, and the supposed ‘upgrade’ would leave all of our iconic emblems intact. The only difference is that the figure on the right would be changed to look like a female.
The more you know…
You can learn more about the campaign by visiting the #ChangeForHer website. But, while you’re here, how about giving yourself a crash-course on the history of our Coat of Arms? You know you want to…
- South Africa’s current Coat of Arms was launched on Freedom Day, 27 April 2000.
- The Coat of Arms is central to the ‘Great Seal’ – traditionally considered to be the highest emblem of the State.
- Absolute authority is given to documents with the Great Seal on it; this means that it’s been approved by the President.
- The lower oval shape represents elements of foundation. The shield makes reference to the drum and contains two human figures from Khoisan art. The figures are seen facing one another, greeting in unity.
- The motto is “!ke e: /xarra //ke”, in a Khoisan language of the /Xam: It literally means “diverse people unite”.
- Iaan Bekker’s design was chosen for this Coat of Arms. He served as the director of the FCB Group.
