LAST week, a 79-year-old man named Fred Brownell died.
His name might not be instantly recognisable to many South Africans, but his legacy will continue to impact our lives in the form of the iconic South African national flag which he designed.
Starting in the early 1990s, the Department of Arts and Culture sought a theme for the new South African flag, something that would symbolise the unity of the nation as it entered democracy.
As South Africa’s state herald from 1982 to 2002, Brownell’s duties included approving the design and registration of coats of arms, badges and flags.
Design houses and the public were invited to submit proposals and, despite 7 000 potentials, none were deemed appropriate.
It was only during a long-winded conference in Zurich, Switzerland on the topic of international flags that Brownell’s mind began to wander and an idea started to take shape.
He sketched three legs from the flagpole side merging into one and, after several revisions, he submitted the six-coloured design to the Transitional Executive Council and it was unanimously adopted.
After approval from Nelson Mandela, the flag was unveiled to the nation on 27 April, 1994.
Unpacking the symbols
As with any artistic piece, the flag can be interpreted by the viewer.
However, there are some overriding theories regarding the colours and design selected.
The black, green and gold of the South African flag feature prominently in the flags of liberation movements, including the African National Congress (ANC), Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and Pan-African Congress (PAC).
The red, white and blue are said to represent the colours reflected on the Union Jack, flag of the Netherlands and the old flag of the Transvaal.
Individually, the colours can be interpreted as representations of the country’s blue skies, fertile green land and rich mineral wealth … but there is no right or wrong answer.
Respect the flag
As a representation of the nation, there are some general flag protocols that are expected to be followed.
Although, don’t expect the police to come bashing down your door if you don’t adhere!
Understandably, you’re expected to treat the flag with respect, which means hanging it in the correct manner and replacing any tattered flags.
It’s interesting to note that the flag must never be used as table cloths, underclothes or for unveilings of any kind – among other things.
Old South African flag
While generally a rare sighting, the old South African flag is still found within the country, despite the dark history it represents.
It treads a thin line between freedom of expression and hate speech, a line which is currently being considered by the Equality Court.
The Nelson Mandela Foundation has applied for the old South African – or apartheid flag as it’s known – to be declared hate speech under the Equality Act.
Both Afriforum and the Federation for Afrikaans Cultural Societies are opposing the application, stating it would be infringing on freedom of expression.
As it stands, judgement has been reserved on the matter.
While some might consider it frivolous, the importance of symbols on the psyche cannot be overlooked.
In Germany, the use of a swastika and similar Nazi-related symbols is punishable with up to three years in prison – with certain exceptions related to art and education.
Some might call this extreme, but the hurt and hatred associated with these symbols still resonates today.
In a country as deeply divided – and volatile – as South Africa, it is worth considering whether such an alienating symbol really has any place in a nation seeking a harmonious future.
