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South Africa Flag - Historical
Old South Africa National Flag (1928–1994)
The historic flag of the Union of South Africa, officially adopted on 31 May 1928 and used until 27 April 1994. This iconic tricolor design features the orange, white, and blue of the Dutch Prinzenvlag, with the three smaller flags centered in the white stripe representing the main historical influences of the nation.
Design Specifications (per official SAVA vexillological standards)
- Ratio: 2:3
- Stripes: Orange (top), White (middle), Dark Blue (bottom)
- Central Emblems: British Union Jack + Vertical Orange Free State flag + Transvaal (Vierkleur) flag
- Materials: Durable outdoor polyester with reinforced white heading and brass grommets
The unique arrangement of the three smaller flags gives equal status to the historical components of the Union, with the Union Jack positioned on the hoist side in accordance with traditional vexillological protocol.
Perfect for historical displays, collectors, educational purposes, and heritage enthusiasts.
Available Sizes: 2x3 ft • 3x5 ft • 4x6 ft • 5x8 ft • and larger custom orders.
Official reference: Southern African Vexillological Association (SAVA) Specification Sheet SV-ZA-01.3-1
SOUTHERN AFRICAN VEXILLOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION
FLAG SPECIFICATION SHEET
SV - ZA - 01.3 - 1
South Africa — National Flag 1928-1994
COLOUR RECOMMENDATIONS & DATA
| Usage | Ratio | Adopted | Abolished | Designer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| National flag, Civil ensign and jack | 2 : 3 | 31 May 1928 | 27 Apr 1994 | - |
| Colour | BCC | C | M | Y | K |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red | 210 | 0 | 91 | 76 | 6 |
| Green | 24 | 60 | 0 | 40 | 40 |
| Orange | 57 | 0 | 40 | 80 | 0 |
| Blue (Solway) | 218 | 60 | 0 | 80 | 20 |
| Blue (Union flag) | 150 | 100 | 72 | 0 | 18.5 |
HISTORY AND SYMBOLISM
Following a bitter parliamentary debate, the Union of South Africa adopted a new National flag on 31 May 1928. The colours chosen were those of the former flag of the Netherlands, the “Prinzenvlag”, consisting of three equal stripes of orange (top), white and blue. In the centre of the white stripe appeared the following three smaller flags (from hoist to fly): The British Union Flag (or Jack), the Orange Free State flag and the Transvaal (or formerly the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek) flag.
The flag of the Orange Free State was depicted vertically so that the present-day Dutch flag was in the canton on the hoist side, whilst the British flag was shown with its hoist adjacent to the left of this, which has led to many (erroneous) comments over the years that it is upside-down. The reason for this unique arrangement was so that all the flags enjoyed equal status as in terms of vexillological protocol, the flag on the left is considered to be the most important and having the position of seniority.
The Union Jack represents the two former British possessions, the Cape Colony and Natal, whilst the two most dominant Boer Republics are represented by the Transvaal and Orange Free State flags.
