Designer of South Africa’s National Flag, Fred Brownell dies aged 79

Fred Brownell, designer of the South African national flag (post-apartheid) has died at 79 years of age.

The designer died last week at his home in Pretoria.

South Africa’s Arts and Culture Minister, Nathi Mthethwa, described Brownell as one of the country’s “greatest patriots and national hero.”

“In his lifetime Fred Brownell designed many coats of arms & flags including the flag for Namibia,” the Minister added.

Brownell designed the flag 25 years ago. The flag, designed during the post-apartheid era symbolizes the convergence of different cultures into one unified country.

Read the minister’s statement below:

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

— Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (@SportArtsCultur) May 12, 2019

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