Introduction
September 2005

This is an alphabetical compilation of information about heraldry in South Africa since the country became a republic in 1961, and began to develop its own characteristic heraldic idiom. It contains entries on:

  • assumption, grant, inheritance, matriculation, registration, and usurpation of arms;
     
  • categories of armigers, e.g. churches, defence force, educational institutions, families and individuals, government departments, local authorities, medical profession, sport, and statutory bodies;
     
  • commonly used charges, especially those of SA origin;
     
  • elements of an achievement of arms, i.e. additaments of rank, badge, banner, compartment, crest, helmet, mantling, shield, standard, supporters, and wreath;
     
  • heraldry authorities and legislation;
     
  • lines of partition modified or invented by the Bureau of Heraldry;
     
  • other information which I think may be of interest.

Sources of information are noted, and there is a list of references on each page.

This compilation is by no means exhaustive, and I'll add to it from time to time. Any additions and corrections will be most welcome.

This website has been created for interest and entertainment. It is unofficial and not connected with or endorsed by any authority or organisation. It is the product of the webmaster's research, and the content is his copyright. So are the illustrations, except for a few which were derived from other sources, as acknowledged in the "references/ sources" sections on the pages concerned.