May 2007

NEW EMBLEM FOR PARLIAMENT

South Africa’s Parliament has a new emblem. It replaces the old one designed in 1961.

The new emblem is made up of different parts, each one with its own special meaning. The main part is a protea and a drum with the sun at the top. Green leaves surrround them. At the bottom of the emblem the words "We, the people" appear above an open book.

  • The sun at the top means healing the divisions of the past and improving the lives of all South Africans

  • The drum calls parliament together

  • The protea leaves are the people and their freely elected representatives acting as a voice of the people.

  • The book is a symbol of the constitution. The words above it, "We, the people", are the opening words of the constitution. The constitution ensures everyone’s rights and freedom..

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