Call for input on SA's stamps
Edwin Tshivhidzo
21 July 2004
The SA Post Office has called on South African philatelists and the general public to submit proposals on topics to be covered in the 2006 postage stamp calendar.
The Post Office said this has been the practice over the last couple of years, with suggested topics that have been included being South African bats, marine life, migratory species and World Heritage Sites. Other suggestions have included famous South African athletes, the natural wonders of SA, and music in SA.
Once topics have been chosen, the Post Office commissions local artists to design the miniature works of art.
South Africa prints over 380 million postage stamps every year.
"Stamps are tiny ambassadors of our country, as they reflect the beauty of our flora and fauna, the vibrancy of our culture, the triumphs of our people, the riches of our land, and significant national and international events", the Post Office said in a statement.
Proposals should be
brief, and include a short motivation, with topics relating to such aspects of South Africa as the culture, economic activities and achievements of South Africans; the contributions of South Africans to international scientific, cultural and economic development; the varied aspects of local life; SA flora and fauna; and any other topic which reflects positively on SA's values, culture, aspirations and achievements.
In 2006, the Post Office will also be replacing South Africa's current set of "definitive" stamps (everyday stamps that are used to pay postage), introduced in 2000, with a new series.
The requirement for a definitive series of stamps is that it should have many possible design themes and that these should be able to be expanded.
Proposals should be sent no later than 13 August 2004 to The Product Manager, 2006 Stamp Programme, Philatelic Services, Private Bag X505, Pretoria 0001.
For more information, contact the Post Office at (012) 401-7700,
e-mail sastamps@sapo.co.za or visit the Post Office website.
Source: BuaNews
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