The present coat of arms of South Africa was introduced on Freedom Day April 27, 2000. It replaced the earlier national arms, which had been in use since 1910. The motto is written in the Khoisan language and translates literally to “diverse people unite”.
The coat of arms is a series of elements organised in distinct symmetric egg-like or oval shapes placed on top of one another. The completed structure of the coat of arms combines the lower and higher oval shape 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 and the sun rising at the top, forms the shape of the cosmic egg from which the secretary bird rises. In the symbolic sense, this is the implied rebirth of the spirit of the great and heroic nation of South Africa.
The motto’s green is extended by pairs of elephant tusks. Within it are two ears of wheat and a golden shield with Khoisan rock art of two greeting human figures from the Linton stone. Above the shield is a crossed knobkierrie and spear, protea, secretary bird, and a rising sun.