<P> The coat of arms is also a central part of the Seal of the Republic, traditionally considered to be the highest emblem of the State . Absolute authority is given to every document with an impression of the Seal of the Republic on it, as this means that it has been approved by the President of South Africa . Since 1997, however, the use of the Seal of the Republic has not actually been required by the Constitution, but it continues to be used . </P> <P> The official blazon of the arms is: </P> <P> Or, representations of two San human figures of red ochre, statant respectant, the hands of the innermost arms clasped, with upper arm, inner wrist, waist and knee bands Argent, and a narrow border of red ochre; the shield ensigned of a spear and knobkierie in saltire, Sable . Thereabove a demi - secretary bird displayed Or, charged on the breast with a stylised representation of a protea flower with outer petals Vert, inner petals Or and seeded of nine triangles conjoined in three rows, the upper triangle Gules, the second row Vert, Or inverted and Vert, and the third row Vert, Or inverted, Sable, Or inverted and Vert . Above the head of the secretary bird an arc of seven rays facetted Or and Orange, the two outer rays conjoined to the elevated wings . </P> <P> Upon a riband Vert, the motto! KE E: / XARRA / / KE in letters Argent . Issuant from the ends of the riband two pairs of elephant tusks curving inwards, the tips conjoined to the wings of the secretary bird, Or, therewithin and flanking the shields, two ears of wheat Brunatré . </P>

National symbols of south african coat of arms