University of Natal

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UNIVERSITY OF NATAL

Country: South Africa
Campus/location : Durban, Pietermaritzburg

Arms of University of Natal

Official blazon

  • UK grant:

For the arms argent two black wildebeesten in full course in pale proper on a chief gules between two open books also proper edged or bound of the first a mullet gold all within a bordure of the last and for the crest on wreath argent and gules an eagle wings elevated and addorsed argent gorged with a wreath of oak vert standinq between two assegais crossed over its back in saltire proper.

  • South African grant

(af)

  • Wapen: In silwer, twee swart-wildebeeste van natuurlike kleur in volle ren, paalsgewys geplaas; op 'n rooi skildhoof, tussen twee oop boeke van natuurlike kleur, goud gesnee en silwer gebind, 'n vyfpuntige goue ster; die geheel binne-in 'n skildsoom, ook goud.
  • Helmteken: 'n Silwer arend met uitgespreide vleuels, met 'n groen eikekrans om die hals, staande tussen twee rug kruis. Wrong en dekklede: Silwer en rooi.
  • Wapenspreuk: STELLA AURORAE

(en)

  • Arms: Argent, two black wildebeest in full course in pale, proper; on a chief Gules between two open books proper, edged Or, bound Argent, a mullet Or; all within a bordure of the last.
  • Crest: An eagle, wings elevated and addorsed Argent, gorged with a wreath of oak Vert, standing between two assegais crossed over its back in saltire proper. Wreath and mantling: Argent and Gules.
  • Motto: STELLA AURORAE

Origin/meaning

The arms were officially granted on December 10, 1957 (UK grant) and again on June 19, 1989 (South African grant).

The arms comprise two black 'Wildebeeste' (or Brindled Gnus) are taken from the arms of the Province of Natal, animals which once formed an important element of the fauna of Natal, as of other parts of Southern Africa. They are portrayed in rapid motion symbolising movement, progress.

The two open books symbolise the two campuses of the university in Pietermaritzburg and Durban. They also refer to the two languages in which the university was teaching as well as to teaching and research. The books are open, symbolising the availability of the universal heritage of knowledge, of which the university is the proper guardian, to all who are qualified to read therein.

The colour of the chief is the scarlet of the gowns of Doctors, the highest academic ranks in the University. This colour is repeated, together with the silver of the shield, in the mantle and wreath. Senior Doctorate gowns of the University are of scarlet with deep beil-sleeves lined with silver.

The five-pointed star is taken from the old arms of the Natal University College, symbolising the land of Natal discovered and named on Christmas Day 1497. This theme is repeated in the motto "Stella Aurorae", "Star of the Dawn" or "Star of the Rising Sun", symbolising the role of the University in dispelling the darkness of ignorance and evil; and standing forever on the threshold oi the brightening day.

The eagle is taken from the arms of Sir Theophilus Shepstone, and his outstanding contributions to the people of Natal. The white eagle with outspread wings, in the act of "taking off" to soar into the heavens beyond the present sight of mortal man, also reiterates the motif of the golden star "Stella Aurorae".

The crossed assegais are, of. course, a tribute to Sir Theophilus Shepstone whose labours in Natal contributed so largely to bringing peace and contentment to the Zulu peoples. Their incorporation in the crest of the University, may perhaps be indicative of the role which the University is pledged to play in carrying on that work by bringing enlightenment and peace and prosperity which are the partners of knowledge and wisdom to all the peoples whom the University serves.

Arms of University of Natal

The UK letter of patent

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Literature:

Brochure University of Natal (1970s ?)