The current flag of the Republic of South Africa was adopted on 27 April 1994, at the beginning of the 1994 general election, to replace the flag that had been used since 1928. The new national flag, designed by State Herald Frederick Brownell, was chosen to represent the new democracy. According to official South African government information, the South African flag is "a synopsis of principal elements of the country's flag history." The only symbolism in the flag is the V or Y shape, which can be interpreted as "the convergence of diverse elements within South African society, taking the road ahead in unity. From time to time explanations of the meanings or symbolism of the flag's colours are published in various media, including official government publications and speeches by government officials. Three of the colours — black, green and yellow — are found in the flag of the African National Congress. The other three — red, white and blue — are used ...
