Republic of South Africa - Coat of Arms Corporate Identity Guidelines
Excerpt:
Introduction
A comprehensive Manual will be developed and distributed to all departments to guide them in the application of the Government Brand. Among other things, the Manual will inform standards or benchmarks for multidimensional applications and specifications for the style of the national Coat of Arms. It will inform the colour, palette, typography, layout, paper, templates and procedures for the consistent application of the Government Brand by all departments.
Design and symbolism of the national Coat of Arms
The national Coat of Arms is a series of elements organised in two distinct circles placed on top of one another. (…)
The human figures:
Derived from images on the Linton Stone, a world famous example of South African rock art. The Khoisan, the oldest known inhabitants of our land, testify to our common humanity and heritage as South Africans. The figures are depicted in an attitude of greeting, symbolising unity. It also represents the beginning of the individual’s transformation into the greater sense of belonging to the nation and humanity. (…)
The secretary bird:
The secretary bird is characterised in flight, the natural consequence of growth and speed. It is a powerful bird whose legs – depicted as the spear and the knobkierie – serve it well in its hunt for snakes. It is a symbol of divine majesty. Its uplifted wing is an emblem of the ascendance of our nation, while simultaneously offering us its protection.
The rising sun:
It is an emblem of brightness and splendour. It symbolises the promise of rebirth, the active faculties of reflection, knowledge, good judgement and willpower. It is the very symbol of the source of life, light and the ultimate wholeness of humanity.
The complete structure of the national Coat of Arms combines the lower and higher circles in a symbol of infinity. The path that connects the lower edge of the scroll, through the lines of the tusks, with the horizon above which the sun rises at the top, forms the shape of a cosmic egg from which the secretary bird rises. It symbolises the rebirth of our great heroic nation.
(…)
front and back of Business cards
Source:
Republic of South Africa - Identity Guidelines [Pdf]
