South African flag stands for the multicultural and multiracial nature of the country
The current flag of South Africa was introduced in March of 1994, symbolizing the nation’s new era as it headed towards its 1994 general election. This flag replaced the previous design that had been in use since 1928.
The flag features three horizontal bands: red on top, blue on the bottom, and a central green band that splits into a “Y” shape, with the arms extending to the corners of the hoist side, following the diagonals of the flag. Embracing the “Y” is a black isosceles triangle, separated from the arms by narrow yellow or gold bands. Narrow white stripes separate the red and blue bands from the green band and its arms. The stripes at the fly end are in a 5:1:3:1:5 ratio.
The flag’s design incorporates colors from various sources. Three colors were derived from the flag of the South African Republic, which was influenced by the flag of the Netherlands and the Union Jack. The other three colors were taken from the flag of the African National Congress. The flag is often referred to as the Seskleur or “six-color” flag, as well as the Rainbow Flag, reflecting its vibrant symbolism.
