Coat of arms of Botswana
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The national coat of arms of Botswana consists of two zebras holding sorghum and ivory. Three cogs lie at the top of a shield representing the country's mineral production. The three waves in the middle of the shield allude to the country's national motto, Pula. At the bottom of the shield is the head of a bull. It was adopted in January 1966. Prior to independence, Botswana used a public seal, having no national symbols. The coat of arms' design is defined in the Botswana Emblems Act, which also sets protocol for usage of national symbols including the coat of arms. Following a coat of arms design competition hosted by George Winstanley, two entries were combined by Winstanley and his wife to contain the best of both. The result was then sent to the College of Heralds.
| Coat of arms of Botswana | |
|---|---|
| |
| Armiger | Republic of Botswana |
| Adopted | 25 January 1966 |
| Shield | Argent three barrulets wavy in fesse Azure; between in chief three cogwheels proper, one above engaged with two below and in base a bull's head caboshed proper |
| Supporters | On either side a zebra the dexter supporting a white elephant's tusk the sinister a green stalk of sorghum and brown sorghum head with white grains proper |
| Motto | Pula "Rain" in Setswana |
Design and symbolism
The coat of arms features two zebras, with the one on the right holding an ear of sorghum, and the one on the left holding a tusk of ivory, symbolizing the country's elephant population.[1] The three cogs at the top of the shield represent the country's mineral based industry, and the three waves allude to the country's national motto, Pula (Setswana for rain), also featured at the bottom.[1][2] At the bottom of the shield is the head of a bull, which symbolises the importance of cattle herding in Botswana.[1][3][4]: 235–236
Part I of the Botswana Emblems Act, No. 25: Blazon of the Arms or Ensigns Armorial of Botswana describes the coat of arms of Botswana as follows:[5]
Argent three barrulets way in fess azure-between chief three cog wheels one above engaged with two below and in base a bull's head caboshed proper, and for the supporters on either side a zebra the dexter supporting an elephant's tusk the sinister stalk of sorghum proper. Motto Pula.
Criticism
The central shield has been criticized for seeming to originate from Zulu ihawu shields rather than Batswana battle shields.[6] While early critics identified the shield as "alien" to traditional Tswana style, academic research suggests the oval design was used for hunting and may not be historically wrong.[6] Historian Neil Parsons argues that the shield was undoubtedly of Zulu origin, since the Zulus still carried it during traditional dances; also claiming that Swazi did the same.[7]
History
In 1885, the Bechuanaland Protectorate, now the Republic of Botswana, was formed as a part of Great Britain's colonial empire.[8] The nation had no national symbols of its own.[9][10] However, Bechuanaland had its own public seal which was displayed before specific legal acts; such as the Emblems Act.[5]
George Winstanley, a British colonial administrator who served in the Bechuanaland Protectorate, administered a flag and coat of arms competition. Following the competition, Winstanley stated there were "two good entries" from Isabel Fawcus and Shiela England.[1][4]: 235–236 However, the Cabinet of Bechuanaland were not impressed by either, and so they asked Winstanley to combine the best out of both of them.[1][4]: 235–236 It was slightly altered by his wife before being sent to the College of Heralds who made the finishing touches.[1][4]: 235–236 The final version was approved by the government and adopted on January 25, 1966, prior to the nation's independence on September 30, 1966.[1]
Protocol and usage
A formal request must be sent to the Permanent Secretary to the President of Botswana in order to use the coat of arms.[11] The National Emblems Act also formally declares the coat of arms' design and establishes protections for national symbols including restrictions on unauthorized reproduction or misuse.[12] Commercial use of the coat of arms of Botswana requires approval from the government's emblems usage service.[12] Applicants must submit company documents, product samples, and usage details.[12] Officials review requests individually to protect the emblem's integrity.[12]
Prohibition of desecration
Section 91 of the Botswana Penal Code criminalizes the defamation, ridicule, or public contempt of designated national symbols, including the national coat of arms. Under this statute, the act of insulting these symbols through spoken words or published writings constitutes a statutory offense. Conviction under this provision carries a maximum penalty of a fine not exceeding P500 (roughly US$37).[13][14]