In celebration of Freedom Day, as well as 30 years of democracy in South Africa, St. Andrew’s School in Bloemfontein honoured the designer of the new South African flag, Fred Brownell, who was an old boy of the school.
His daughters, Heather Ashe and Susan Miller, were in attendance to honour their late father and represent the Brownell family.
“We are reminded today of national heroes, including Nelson Mandela, who is regarded as a champion of freedom, not only in South Africa, but the entire world,” said St. Andrew’s principal, Roland Rudd.
“30 years on, there is still so much to do,” he continued. “We dare not forget the role we still have to play in restoring the dignity of our brothers and sisters.”
Honouring Brownell, Rudd said: “We celebrate Freedom Day, and also recognise the part of one in our community who played part in the design of our national flag,” adding: “On the day of Nelson Mandela’s inauguration, the new national flag was seen for the first time, when three helicopters, in a fly-past national salute, carried the flags.
“The most meaningful symbol in the flag, is its ‘Y’ shape, which according to Fred Brownell can be interpreted as the convergence of diverse elements, within South Africa’s society taking the road ahead in unity,” said the principal.
According to legend, Brownell took inspiration from the traditional cassock worn by St. Andrew’s Chaplains in the past. “I can’t help but think that the visual impact and the lessons learnt in this chapel made such an impression on Fred, that he pulled it into the design of our national flag,” explained Rudd.
“Our flag is a product of Godly influence.” He concluded, saying: “We recognise and salute [Brownell] for the role [he] played in establishing a free and democratic South Africa.”
After the chapel service, the national flag was hoisted in front of the tear-filled eyes of its designer’s daughters, who carry his legacy with them, and continue to honour him, just as his Alma Mater in Bloemfontein does.
Brownell will further be honoured with two framed pieces that will hang in the St. Andrew’s School Centenary Hall.
Warren Hawkins
