image by
Martin Grieve, 18 June 2004
Last modified: 2006-03-04 by bruce berry
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image by
Martin Grieve, 18 June 2004
On 5 April 2002 the Tshwane Metropolitan Council adopted a new logo.
The Tshwane Metropolitan Council incorporates the former municipalities of Pretoria, Centurion, Mamelodi, Akasia, Attridgeville and Hammanskraal
and was formed following the re-organisation of local government in
South Africa in December 2000. The flags used by these former municipalities are now no longer in use. The new logo forms the basis
of a municipal flag. The logo has the inscription "City of Tshwane - we are the same" beneath but this has been omitted from the flag.
The symbolism of the new logo and flag as provided by the Metro Council Marketing Office is as follows:
The Union Buildings, shown in the centre of the logo, are an important landmark both in the city and South Africa. They were designed by Sir
Herbert Baker and were completed in 1912 and house the Office of the
President. They are a political symbol that gives expression to the capital status of the City of Tshwane.
The structure below the Union Buildings symbolises the vast array of architectural infrastructure throughout the length and breadth of the
metropolitan area. It also symbolises a commitment to further developing this infrastructure. The geometrical figure superimposed on this
structure celebrates the artistic expression of the people of Tshwane in their endeavours. It is also provides recognition and acknowledgement
of the important role that women play in society.
In isiNdebele customary tradition, as in many other African societies, the function of decoration and architecture is assigned solely to women.
The colours used in the mural covering the bottom part of the Union
Buildings are the national colours as captured in the country's flag.
The mountain range at the foot of the Union Buildings and the structure below symbolise coherency and, together with the "broken circle" that
encompasses these structures, symbolises the constant endeavour to
manage cultural diversity.
The "broken circle" also symbolises Tshwane's position among the cities of the world. It denotes the influence of the outside world on the city
as well as Tshwane's ability to influence the outside world in developing the modern and dynamic modern city.
The overall symbolism of the logo and flag is thus the management of cultural diversity, provision and maintenance of infrastructure and
delivery of services across the entire municipal area of jurisdiction.
The yellow circle in the top right denotes, in an African context, the infiniteness of life, the ability of life to find expression in various
forms - thus there is no end but a resumption of life in another form. Furthermore this circle denotes the sun, a primary life-giving
phenomenon, a characteristic that testifies to the omnipresence of
hospitality displayed by the city.
The explanation of colours found in the logo and flag is premised on the explanation given by the various indigenous nationalities residing
within the City of Tshwane, namely:
o Black means total protection from all harm and evil;
o White means a blessing from the creator and good luck in ones endeavours;
o Yellow means that everyone has to be humane (ubuntu) and appreciative of the fact that in life there are various stakeholders,
thus communication and consultation are very important;
o Green denotes reward after the triumph over hardship;
o Red signifies a challenge, a situation to be overcome; and
o Blue symbolises a force that sustains and ensures that life thrives.
These new symbols have not been registered with the South African Bureau of Heraldry.
Bruce Berry, 18 June 2004