Flag of South Africa - Design, Colors, Meaning, Symbolism

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: February 02, 2026 13:05 ET

The flag of South Africa features a unique multicolored design symbolizing unity and diversity.It represents the coming together of different cultures and the nation’s journey toward freedom and reconciliation.

The National Flag of South Africa

Flag of South Africa
About Image - The National flag of the South Africa.

South Africa Flag Facts

CountrySouth Africa
CapitalPretoria (executive), Cape Town (legislative), Bloemfontein (judicial)
CurrencySouth African Rand (ZAR)
Official Language11 official languages (including English, Afrikaans, Zulu, Xhosa)
ISO Country CodeZAF
Adopted On27 April 1994
Design ByFrederick Brownell
National Day27 April (Freedom Day)
National SongNational Anthem of South Africa
Flag Ratio2:3
ColorsBlack, Green, Yellow, White, Red, Blue
DesignHorizontal bicolor of red (top) and blue (bottom) with a green Y-shape edged in white and yellow, extending from the hoist
Center SymbolY-shaped converging bands
Meaning of BlackThe people of South Africa
Meaning of GreenThe land and natural fertility
Meaning of YellowNatural resources and wealth
Meaning of WhitePeace and harmony
Meaning of RedBloodshed and sacrifices of the past
Meaning of BlueThe sky, oceans, and opportunities
SymbolismThe Y-shape represents unity and convergence of diverse elements within society
Cultural InfluenceSymbolizes the end of apartheid and the beginning of a democratic nation
Unique FeatureOne of the world’s most colorful national flags with no official meaning assigned to colors by law