The Southern African Vexillological Association was formed in November 1990 to promote vexillology in Southern Africa. Members of the association are drawn mainly from flag manufacturers, collectors, military historians and generally anyone with an interest in flags. SAVA became a member of the International Federation of Vexillological Associations at the 14th International Congress of Vexillology held in Barcelona in 1991 and was the host of the 17th International Congress of Vexillology which was held in Cape Town in August 1997. SAVA produces a Newsletter three times a year which deals with matters of local and international vexillological interest, new flags and matters relating to the running of the association. A more scholastic Journal is also published which deals with a particular research topic related to vexillology in southern Africa and is recognised internationally for its high standard. A series on all South African regimental colours and standards since 1652 has been published which is the most comprehensive record of such flags ever published in South Africa. SAVA has also published a series of Flag Specification Sheets focusing on the flags of Africa. Members of SAVA include the former State Herald of South Africa, Mr Frederick Brownell, who is credited with designing the flag of South Africa and the flag of Namibia. Members of the association have been involved in the design and manufacture of many other flags, particularly municipal, military and corporate flags in Southern Africa. The association has also become an important source of vexillological information and research, including more recently on the internet. Bruce Berry, a founder member, is an editor for Flags of the World, the premier vexillological website and was elected as Secretary General of FIAV in July 2019.
Objectives of the association
According to its constitution, SAVA has the following objectives:
To record and preserve any and all information relating to flags in general and the flags of Southern Africa in particular;
To undertake research and study programmes, organise conferences and symposia, and to exchange information on flags and related matters with similar Associations and Institutions elsewhere in the world; and
To act as an information source for the general public and any interested bodies on all matters pertaining to flags.
SAVA is a non-profit, non-political and non-sectarian organisation that under no circumstances will become affiliated or associated with any political or religious body or sect.
Organization flag
The flag of the association is registered with the South African Bureau of Heraldry and is described as follows: A rectangular blue flag, proportion 3:2; bearing a gold chevron inverted, the tip couped, and in the centre five four-pointed stars, also white, conjoined in cross. Both the base and the tip of each chevron are respectively equal to half of the width of the flag, while the outer point of the stars in fess touch the conjunction of the chevrons. The symbolism of the flag is as follows: At least one of the colours in this flag can be found in the national flag of each country in Southern Africa. The gold inverted chevron alludes to vexillology. The five white stars, which are derived from the Southern Cross, and the white chevron, in turn allude to Southern Africa..
Principal officers
Chairman – Father Peter Whitehead
Vice Chairman – Lt. Col. Edward Watson
Secretary/Treasurer – Bruce Berry
Additional Member – Martin Grieve
Additional Member – Mike Clingman
Additional Member – Theo Stylianides
Publications
SAVA has published the following in its SAVA Journal series:
SJ: 1/92 – Some Southern African Flags, 1940–1991 by F. G. Brownell
SJ: 5/96 – Flags and Symbols of Rhodesia, 1890–198|0 by R. Allport
SJ: 6/97 – The Burgees of Recreational Boating in South Africa – a preliminary checklist by Peter Edwards
SJ: 7/98 – South African Military Colours – 1664 to 26 April 1994 Part I – Introduction and South African Military Colours : 1664 to 30 June 1912 by Prof. H. H. Smith
SJ: 8/99 – South African Military Colours – 1664 to 26 April 1994 Part II Vol. 1 – Military Colours of the Union Defence Forces and of the South African Defence Force : 1 July 1912 to 30 May 1961 by Prof. H. H. Smith & F. G. Brownell
SJ: 9 – South African Military Colours – 1664 to 26 April 1994 Part II Vol. 2 – Military Colours of the Union Defence Forces and of the South African Defence Force : 1 July 1912 to 30 May 1961 Colours devised for the Commandos of the South African Defence Forces prior to World War II by Prof. H. H. Smith & F. G. Brownell
SJ: 10 – South African Military Colours – 1664 to 26 April 1994 Part III Vol. 1 – Military Colours of the South African Defence Force 31 May 1961 to 26 April 1994 : The National Colour and Colours devised for the South African Army by Prof. H. H. Smith & F. G. Brownell
SJ: 11 - South African Military Colours - 1664 to 26 April 1994 Part III Vol. 2 - Military Colours of the South African Defence Force 31 May 1961 to 26 April 1994 : Colours devised for the South African Air Force, Navy, Medical Service and the South African Police by Prof. H. H. Smith & F. G. Brownell
Other publications include:
Martinez, P., 1999: Flags in South Africa and the World – Proceedings of the XVII International Congress of Vexillology, Southern African Vexillological Association
Vagnat, P and Poels, J., 2000: Constitutions – what they tell us about national flags and coats of arms
Burgers, A. P., 2008: The South African Flag Book – A History of South African Flags from Dias to Mandela, Protea Book House
Posters:
Southern African Vexillological Association - Celebrating 20 years of service to the vexillological community 1990 – 2010 illustrating all the national flags which have flown over South Africa
Flags and Ensigns of the World 2017'' illustrating the national flags and ensigns in use as at 31 July 2017
In addition, the SAVA Newsletter is published three times per annum and is sent to members.
