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Civic Heraldry of South Africa
Wapens van owerhede in Suid Afrika

BASOTHO-QWAQWA

Origin/meaning:
The arms were granted on September 8, 1972.
These Arms are no longer used following the reincorporation of Qwaqwa into South Africa on 27 April 1994.

The shape of the shield is the typical Sotho or Tswana shield. Behind the shiled are some weapons, symbol for power and strength.
The upper half of the shield shows Sentinel Peak, a local landmark. The crocodile is the symbol of the Kwena people and is also part of the arms of the neighbouring Lesotho. The leopard is the symbol of royalty in general.
The hat is part of the traditional Basotho dress, whereas the supporters indicate the importance of the Basotho pony for transport. The motto is Unity is strength in the local language. This is also the old motto of South Africa.

Literature : The Star 20-06-1975; Brownell, FG: 1998: Symbols of Sovereignty of South Africa's former Independent and Self-Governing National States


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