Flag History of Zimbabwe

The present Republic of Zimbabwe takes its name from the empire that was centred on the city of Great Zimbabwe, which flourished between the 11th and 15th centuries. Its first flag, however, was of the British South Africa Company of the mining magnate Cecil Rhodes in the late 19th century; it started a century of colonialism in the country named “Rhodesia” in his honour, ending with the raising of a flag at independence featuring the symbol of Great Zimbabwe.

SOUTHERN RHODESIA, 1924 - On 11 August 1924, a coat of arms of the self-governing British colony of Southern Rhodesia was adopted. It featured the shield, as it also appeared on the flag, with a pick in gold on a green field, representing mining. Two sable antelopes supported it, and at the top was a soapstone statuette of the Zimbabwe Bird, found in the ruins of Great Zimbabwe. On a scroll is the Latin motto “Sit Nomine Digna”, “May she be worthy of the name”.

REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE, 1981 - On 21 September 1981, a new coat of arms of Zimbabwe was adopted, replacing the one of Rhodesia. It features a green shield with blue and white wavy lines, symbolising the fertility of the country’s soil and prosperity-bringing water, accompanied by a representation of Great Zimbabwe, representing the country’s historical heritage. It is supported by two kudus, standing on an earthen mount with stalks of wheat, a cotton boll and a head of maise. Behind the shield is an agricultural hoe and an A.K. automatic rifle, symbolising the transition from war to peace. A star, a symbol of hope for the future, coloured red as a reminder of past suffering, with the Great Zimbabwe Bird, the distinctive national emblem, surmounts it. The motto “Unity Freedom Work” is on a scroll at the bottom.