What are National Colours? Everything you need to know about one of SA’s highest sporting honours

Updated Aug. 4, 2026, 8:57 a.m. | By East Coast Breakfast

You’ve heard of National Colours… but what do they actually mean?

For many South Africans, hearing that an athlete has been “awarded National Colours” is a proud moment.

Whether it’s a Springbok, Protea, or a young athlete representing the country for the first time, earning National Colours is regarded as one of the highest honours in South African sport.

But what exactly are National Colours? Why are they called “Colours”? And do you automatically receive them the moment you represent South Africa?

Here’s everything you need to know.

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What are National Colours?

National Colours are an official recognition awarded to South Africans who have represented the country at the highest level in sport or other recognised disciplines.

Receiving National Colours signifies that an athlete has achieved an elite standard and has proudly represented South Africa in approved international competition.

It’s more than just making a national team. National Colours are a mark of excellence, dedication and achievement after years of hard work, training and sacrifice.

For many athletes, it’s the moment they know they’ve reached the pinnacle of their sporting journey.

Why are they called “Colours”?

The term “Colours” has nothing to do with receiving a coloured medal or certificate.

Instead, it dates back hundreds of years to military traditions in Britain. Regiments carried distinctive flags known as their “colours”, and soldiers who fought under those banners represented the honour and identity of their regiment.

As organised sport developed, schools, universities and national teams adopted the same tradition. Outstanding athletes were awarded the right to wear their institution’s official colours on blazers, ties, caps and badges.

Today, the tradition lives on around the world, including in South Africa, where athletes who earn National Colours receive official recognition for representing their country with distinction.

How do athletes qualify?

One of the biggest misconceptions is that every athlete who represents South Africa automatically receives National Colours.

In reality, each recognised sporting federation has specific criteria that athletes must meet. These may include:

Representing South Africa at approved international competitions.
Being selected for an official national team.
Competing at events recognised by the relevant sporting federation.
Meeting the performance standards and eligibility requirements set by that sport.

Simply wearing a South African jersey doesn’t always guarantee National Colours. The achievement must meet the official criteria laid out by the governing body.

KZN shared their “almost got my colours” stories

Not everyone earns National Colours, but almost everyone has a story about the time they almost got their colours.

When Darren, Sky and Carmen posed the question, “What did you almost get colours for?”, KZN listeners delivered hilarious, nostalgic and surprisingly heartfelt responses.

Press play below to hear the full conversation and KZN’s funniest “I almost got my colours for…” stories.

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Why is it such a prestigious honour?

Very few athletes ever earn the opportunity to represent South Africa on the international stage.

National Colours recognise years of discipline, resilience and commitment. Behind every award are countless early mornings, demanding training sessions, injuries overcome and personal sacrifices.

For many athletes, receiving National Colours is a career-defining achievement and something they proudly include in their biographies and professional profiles for the rest of their lives.

It’s recognition that they have not only excelled in their sport but have done so while representing the country with pride.

Common misconceptions about National Colours

Myth: Every South African athlete gets National Colours.

Fact: Only athletes who meet the official criteria of their sporting federation qualify.

Myth: National Colours are only awarded in rugby or cricket.

Fact: Athletes across many recognised sports and disciplines can be awarded National Colours.

Myth: National Colours are the same as school or provincial colours.

Fact: School colours recognise achievement within a school, while provincial colours acknowledge representation at provincial level. National Colours recognise representing South Africa internationally.

Myth: The award is just a certificate.

Fact: While recipients may receive official certificates, badges or blazers, the real significance lies in the honour and recognition of representing South Africa at the highest level.