Towards a name for our flag
22 September 2003
Freedom Day 2002 witnessed the publication of the first book dedicated entirely to the subject of the South African national flag, Flying With Pride: The Story of the South African Flag.
The author of the book, well-known television personality and journalist Denis Beckett, suggested at the time that, being such a beloved icon, our cloth of many colours at the very least deserved a name. Or, to be more precise, a nickname.
Beckett went even further, making his own suggestion, Sesmmala, which acknowledges both the rich language diversity of South Africa and the fact that ours is the only six-coloured flag in the world. The publisher, Andrew McKenzie, responded with a more light-hearted suggestion: AmaFlappaFlappa.
And thus began a process of participation in seeking to acknowledge the fact that our flag is more than just a piece of cloth. Hugely more!
Over 100 suggestions have been received over the past
year from South Africans from all walks of life. In recognition of their efforts and enthusiasm, their suggestions are being published during South Africa's first Proudly South African Week for consideration by the people of South Africa.
Besides appearing in various national print publications, the list of names is accessible on the Flying with Pride website with a printable option which can be posted up in work locations and other places.
South African citizens are invited to vote for their favourite names(s) and to make new suggestions. The first round of voting will close on 21 October 2003, and the results and new suggestions will appear in the press during that week. Final results will be published during the last week of November.
"This is not an official process, but is in recognition of the enthusiastic submissions which have been received by us after we published Flying With Pride", said
WildNet Africa founder and director Andrew McKenzie.
"At the end of this process what we will have will be list of South Africa's favourites. This list will be openly accessible and available to all who wish to find a name which is meaningful to them. We may remain with just that, a list of favourites.
"But who knows, one name may immediately 'fly with pride' above all others. Or this may lead to a more formal process to find a name. With 2004 looming large on the horizon, one thing is certain - it is high time our flag had a name to be proud of."
To vote, send the word SAFLAGNAME to your cellphone service provider - Vodacom 082 003 0161 or MTN 083 920 8781 - and reply with your preferred name or with the corresponding number (SMS rate R2 per reply). Alternatively, votes may be e-mailed to SAFLAGNAME@FlyingWithPride.co.za
Source: WildNet Africa
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