SA flag designer, Fred Brownell remembered as a hero
Officials from the department of Arts and Culture have described the late Frederick 'Fred' Brownell as a patriot who gave South Africa its identity.
The former state herald and Pretoria-resident who designed the country's flag in 1993, died at his home last weekend. He was 79-years-old.
The department's Asanda Magaqa says Brownell was an expert in his field and well-accomplished.
Brownell is also the holder of a Doctorate earned in 2015 and titled Convergence and unification: the national flag of South Africa (1994) in historical perspective'- detailing how the national flag came about.
"He was such an expert in his field that his expertise was thought out, not just in South Africa and the continent - but the world at large. For that, he as bestowed with heaps of honour. Now that he has passed on - we will remember him as such - a true patriot," Magaqa said.
PRESS STATEMENT: @ArtsCultureSA Minister @NathiMthethwaSA 's Statement On The Passing Of the Patriot Who Designed The National Flag- Mr Fred Brownell. @SAgovnews #IAmTheFlag 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/7msqS0ZoyY
— Arts & Culture (@ArtsCultureSA) May 12, 2019
When Roelf Meyer & President @CyrilRamaphosa presented the flag to the council, there was a long silence until all at once clapping broke out, the flag was a winner! & so this is the story of our national pride & the man who created the flag with 6 colours that united our nation pic.twitter.com/MelV8XJ0US
— Min. Nathi Mthethwa (@NathiMthethwaSA) May 12, 2019
2 days ago, our country lost one of its greatest patriots & national heroes, former South African State Herald & the designer of our South African flag, Mr Fred Brownell. In his lifetime Fred Brownell designed many coats of arms & flags including the flag for Namibia. pic.twitter.com/MASO906Hwv
— Min. Nathi Mthethwa (@NathiMthethwaSA) May 12, 2019
Fred Brownell submitted his design to Roelf Meyer, the government’s Chief Negotiator who took it to his then @MYANC counterpart & the now current president, President @CyrilRamaphosa who then consulted late President uTata Madiba for his approval of the flag. pic.twitter.com/DD2ZRrLwfL
— Min. Nathi Mthethwa (@NathiMthethwaSA) May 12, 2019
My sincere condolences to Fred Brownwel’s family for his passing. I served for 12 years with him of the Presidential Advisory Council on National Orders. RIP
— JohnKani (@JohnKani2) May 12, 2019
Condolences to Fred’s family and friends. What an interesting and informative thread Minister, thank you. I shared it with my 12 year old as we were driving to school this morning.
— Zodwa Pakade™ (@zeeshongwe) May 13, 2019
Fred Brownell, who designed South Africa's post-apartheid flag, has died at the age of 79. The flag symbolizes the convergence of different cultures into one unified country. He also designed the flag of Namibia. South Africa's arts minister has hailed him as a "true hero." pic.twitter.com/iq56xWxFHh
— Geoffrey York (@geoffreyyork) May 12, 2019
The dear #FredBrownell - designer of the South African flag 🇿🇦that I proudly fly high has passed on🙏🏼. My heartfelt condolences goes out to his family❤️ The South African flag is one of the most beautiful flags in the world. Thank you for such an amazing gift🇿🇦🌹 @SABCNewsOnline pic.twitter.com/YJ10iGkDQC
— Nosipho Hani Khumalo🇿🇦✊🏼 (@HaniKhumalo) May 12, 2019