South Africa's current national flag was first flown on what date?

South Africa’s current national flag was first flown on 27 April 1994.

That date was the opening day of South Africa’s first fully inclusive democratic elections and marked the public debut of the flag that replaced the design used from 1928 to 1994. It was initially intended as an interim symbol during the country’s political transition, but it was later retained permanently.

The flag was designed by State Herald Frederick Brownell after earlier proposals failed to win broad support. A nationwide competition in 1993 produced more than 7,000 submissions, yet none of the shortlisted designs satisfied the negotiating parties. Brownell’s final design combined elements associated with different political and historical traditions.

Its green Y-shape, black triangle, and red, blue, white, and gold sections give it six colors. The nickname “Rainbow Flag” reflects its symbolism of unity across a divided society. The flag was retained in 1995 and became part of the Constitution that came into force in 1997. The date is often confused with 10 May 1994, when Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as president.