South Africa’s national flag uses six colors in a distinctive Y-shaped design. It was introduced in 1994 as the country held its first democratic election based on universal adult suffrage.

What does the flag look like?

A green Y outlined in white and yellow divides areas of red, blue and black. The converging shape is often understood as representing different parts of society moving forward together.

Do the colors have official meanings?

South African authorities have generally avoided assigning fixed official meanings to each individual color. The colors draw from important earlier South African political and historical traditions, while the overall design emphasises convergence and unity.

History

State herald Frederick Brownell designed the flag. It was first flown on April 27, 1994 and became one of the strongest visual symbols of the transition from apartheid to democracy.

• Adopted: April 27, 1994
• Designer: Frederick Brownell
• Colors: six