Information about Coat of Arms: Coat of Arms of South Africa

The present Coat of Arms of South Africa was introduced on Freedom Day 27 April 2000 and designed by Mr Iaan Bekker. It replaced the earlier national arms, which had been in use since 1910.

The motto ǃKE E꞉ ǀXARRA ǁKE is written in the Khoisan language of the ǀXam people and translates literally to "diverse people unite". The previous motto, in Latin, was Ex Unitate Vires, translated as "From unity, strength".

The coat of arms is a series of elements organised in distinct symmetric egg-like or oval shapes placed on top of one another. The completed structure of the coat of arms combines the lower and higher oval shape in a symbol of infinity. The path that connects the lower edge of the scroll, through the lines of the tusks, with the horizon above and the sun rising at the top, forms the shape of the cosmic egg from which the secretary bird rises. In the symbolic sense, this is the implied rebirth of the spirit of the great and heroic nation of South Africa.

The official blazon of the arms is:

"Or, representations of two San human figures of red ochre, statant respectant, the hands of the innermost arms clasped, with upper arm, inner wrist, waist and knee bands Argent, and a narrow border of red ochre; the shield ensigned of a spear and knobkierie in saltire, Sable. Thereabove a demi-secretary bird displayed Or, charged on the breast with a stylised representation of a protea flower with outer petals Vert, inner petals Or and seeded of nine triangles conjoined in three rows, the upper triangle Gules, the second row Vert, Or inverted and Vert, and the third row Vert, Or inverted, Sable, Or inverted and Vert. Above the head of the secretary bird an arc of seven rays facetted Or and Orange, the two outer rays conjoined to the elevated wings. Upon a riband Vert, the motto ǃKE E꞉ ǀXARRA ǁKE in letters Argent. Issuant from the ends of the riband two pairs of elephant tusks curving inwards, the tips conjoined to the wings of the secretary bird, Or, therewithin and flanking the shields, two ears of wheat Brunatré."

Coat of Arms of South Africa on a bimetallic coin

South Africa / Five Rand 2019 Constitutional Democracy

The Coat of Arms of South Africa is seen here on a 5 Rand coin with a bilingual legend, "Afrika Borwa" in Northern Sotho and Southern Sotho, and "Aforika Borwa" in Tswana.

Coat of Arms of South Africa on a gold coin

South Africa / Gold Ounce 2019 Constitutional Court

The Coat of Arms of South Africa as depicted on a gold coin with a minimalist design, with the "South Africa" legend in English.