LEARNERS from Cresslawn Primary School and Nobel Primary School were taught about the hoisting of the South African flag by members of Sebenza SAPS last week Wednesday.
“Many children nowadays don’t really know the importance of the flag, how it should be hoisted and the importance of following the correct procedure when doing so,” explained Const Sharon Mahamba, Sebenza SAPS spokesman.
The learners who were selected as flag bearers were under the guidance of W/O Cobus Holloway, who explained the manner in which they should conduct themselves, even when they hold the flag and have it ready for hoisting.
The learners were taught to treat it with the utmost respect and two children, a boy and girl, were selected as flag bearers. This is because traditionally only a man is allowed to touch the flag.
“It’s important for learners to know how to do this and we keep visiting schools to ensure that when the learners who know how to hoist the flag have left the school, more learners can be taught and share this information with their schoolmates,” added Mahamba.
10 things you should know about the SA flag:
– the flag must never touch the floor
– it must never be used as a tablecloth or draped in front of a platform
– it must never be used to cover a statue or a plaque at an unveiling or similar event
– it must never be used to start or finish any race, competition or similar event
– it must never be used in the manufacture of underclothes, bath and floor mats or any similar demeaning application
– the flag should always be hoisted at the start of the working day and lowered again before or at sunset. It is not to remain flying at night unless suitably illuminated.
In South Africa, this rule still applies to government-designated flag stations, while through common usage the flag can be displayed 24 hours a day outside of official stations
– the flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously
– whenever a person sees an official flag hoisting or lowering ceremony in progress, he or she should come to a halt and stand respectfully to attention for the duration. If a hat is worn, it should be removed and the right hand should be placed over the heart in salute. Persons in uniform should salute in the manner prescribed by their service. (The same rules apply when the National Anthem is being played or sung.)
– the flag should never be depicted, displayed or flown upside down. Flying a flag upside down is the traditional sign of surrender! When displayed horizontally, the black triangle should be to your left and the red band uppermost
– when no longer in a fit condition to be used, a flag should be disposed of in a dignified manner, preferably by burning
Additional information obtained from The Southern African Vexillological Association (SAVA) www.savaflags.org.za
