Many of the national symbols of South Africa are or have features from nature and wildlife. They range from Flowers, over animals, to gold. Yet the most popular symbol of South Africa is Nelson Mandela.
Nelson Mandela is for South Africa, what Ghandi is for India. And South Africans are very proud to have one the sons of their beautiful and unique country, to be an international symbol of freedom and hope to the world.
Two of the most predominant South African national symbols is the marvelous Protea flower and the amazing Springbok antelope.
Both of South Africa’s most famous and successful sporting teams, the national rugby union team and the cricket team, are named after these national symbols. In the Rugby world the South African squad is known as the Springboks. The cricket team is known as the Proteas.
The protea grows predominantly south of the Limpopo River , in the Karoo and in the Western Cape . With its beautiful colours of purple, green, red and yellow, the protea makes a majestic impression and makes a magnificent national symbol.
The Springbok (an Afrikaans word: spring= jump and bok= antelope or goat) is found in the semi dessert areas of Southern Africa . The Springbok has its name for its impressive jumping ability, which they implement to impress females and run away from predators.
The Springbok is also found on the reverse side of the Kruger Rand coins . This may not surprise as the Kruger Rand is a South African National Symbol itself.
An international symbol for South Africa is the Table Mountain in Cape Town. The Western Cape attracts the most tourists in comparison with all South African provinces . The Table Mountain is one of its many attractions.
For the navigators from Europe, who would ship all the way to East Asia and Australia, the Table Mountain was a symbol of safety and hope that they had made it to their intermediate stop on the long trip to Asia.
This is how the cape at the Table Mountain received the name The Cape of Good Hope.
South African Traditions -- The heritage of South African Traditions is reflected in over 300 museums in South African. South Africa's rich history and traditions date back to some of the earliest human settlements in the world. Come and find out more!