New national coat of arms for South Africa (adopted on 27 April 2000), inscribed in a square. On both sides, the country name displayed in Venda and Ndebele, date above.

The Coat of Arms has many elements organized into two oval groups, one on top of the other. Together the two ovals create a symbol of infinity.

The Lower or Foundation Oval:
At the base is the motto "Diverse People Unite" written in the Khoisan language of the ǀXam people. On either side of the motto, pairs of elephant tusks. The tusks enclose two ears of wheat. At the centre is a shield. On the shield are depicted two Khoisan figures. The Khoisan are the oldest inhabitants of South Africa. The figures on the shield are based on the Linton Panel (a world-famous piece of rock art now housed in the South African Museum in Cape Town), and face each other in greeting and unity. Above the shield, a crossed spear and knobkierie (a traditional fighting stick) separate the lower oval from the upper oval.

The Upper or Ascendant Oval
At the centre is the South African National Flower, the King Protea. It is comprised of interlocking diamonds. The protea forms the chest of the secretary bird, whose head and wings stretch out above it. Between its wings, the rising sun

Engraver: Arthur Sutherland

Depicts a front view of the Union Buildings in Pretoria. In the upper right is the denomination, with the event inscription placed below it. The engraver’s initials appear in small letters at the lower right.

Would you like a more formal or descriptive version as well?

Engraver: M. J. Scheepers