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National Symbols

The National Flag

The national flag of Zambia was adopted upon independence on 24 October 1964, by the first Republican President Dr. Kenneth David Kaunda. Before that, Zambia was the British protectorate of Northern Rhodesia and used a defaced Blue Ensign as its flag.

The current flag is used as both national flag and ensign. It is green with an orange-coloured African Fish Eagle in flight over a rectangular block of three vertical stripes, coloured, from left to right: red, black and orange. The placement of the eagle and block of stripes at the flag’s fly is notable as most emblems and devices on flags are placed at centre or at the hoist. Green stands for the nation’s agriculture and lush flora, red for the nation’s struggle for freedom, black for the Zambian people and all black Africans, and orange for the land’s copper, natural resource in general, and mineral wealth. Additionally, the eagle flying above the coloured stripes is intended to represent freedom and the people’s ability to rise above the nation’s problems.

The Zambian flag was slightly modified in 1996. The shade of green used in the 1964 flag was replaced with brighter and lighter green and the eagle was slightly altered so as to be more like the one used in the Zambia Coat of Arms

Coat of Arms

The Coat of Arms of Zambia was adopted on 24 October 1964 when the Republic of Zambia gained its independence. It is adapted from the Arms of the British protectorate of Northern Rhodesia dated to 1927, with the wavy black and white vertical lines as the field and the eagle (then holding a fish) in the chief.

The African Fish Eagle represents the conquest of freedom and nation’s hope for the future. The hoe and pick-axe represent the country’s economic backbone: agriculture and mining, as well as the characteristics that have influenced Zambia’s evolution and nature. The shield is a representation of Victoria Falls with white water cascading over black rock. The Victoria Falls represents the Zambezi river, from which Zambia takes its name. The coat of arms also has emblems of Zambia’s natural resources: minerals and mining, agriculture and wildlife. The shield is supported by two figures which represent the common man and woman of the nation. The country’s motto is “One Zambia, One Nation”, which emphasises the need for unity in a country of over 72 ethnic groups.

The wavy black and white vertical lines also were present in the shield of the coat of arms of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland 1954-1963.

National Anthem

“Nkosi Sikeleli Afrika” started to become popular in South Africa in 1923 as a Christian hymn. It became a closing hymn for African National Congress (ANC) meetings and later became a symbolic song for black struggle against the Apartheid regime. Its popularity spread across Africa through churches, and the tune became associated with African nationalism movements across the continent, particularly in East and Southern Africa. Following the passing of the Zambia Independence Act 1964 in the Parliament of The United Kingdom, enacting Zambia’s independence from the United Kingdom, “Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika” was adopted as the national anthem of Zambia, replacing “God Save The Queen”, the anthem of Northern Rhodesia. In 1973, having used “Nkosi Sikeleli Africa” for over 9 years, it was decided that new lyrics set to the tune of “Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika” would be needed for Zambia’s national anthem. A national competition was held for the new words. However, none of the entries were deemed good enough to be used in full for the anthem. As a result, six of the entries were merged to create “Stand and Sing of Zambia, Proud and Free”, and the entrants selected were awarded prizes. The authors credited for the composition were G. Ellis, E.S. Musonda, J.M.S. Lichilana, I. Lowe, J. Sajiwandani and R.J. Seal.

In September 1973, the National Assembly passed the National Anthem Act, which legally defined the English lyrics of “Stand and Sing of Zambia, Proud and Free” as the national anthem of Zambia. The Act also made it an offence to “insult or bring into contempt or ridicule” the anthem and granted the President of Zambia the rights to prescribe how the anthem is sung and to restrict its use.

Stand and sing of Zambia, proud and free,
Land of work and joy in unity,
Victors in the struggle for the right,
We’ve won freedom’s fight.
All one, strong and free.

Africa is our own motherland,

Fashion’d with and blessed by God’s good hand,
Let us all her people join as one,
Brothers under the sun.
All one, strong and free.

One land and one nation is our cry,
Dignity and peace ‘neath Zambia’s sky,
Like our noble eagle in its flight,
Zambia-praise to thee.
All one, strong and free.

Praise be to God,
Praise be, praise be, praise be,
Bless our great nation,
Zambia, Zambia, Zambia,
Free men we stand
Under the flag of our land,
Zambia-praise to thee.
All one, strong and free.

Public Seal

The Public Seal of the Republic of Zambia is a symbol used to authenticate official documents and government actions. The seal typically features the national coat of arms, which includes a shield with significant emblems, such as the eagle, the hoe, and the pick, representing the country’s natural resources, agriculture, and mining industry.

The national coat of arms consists of:

  • An African fish eagle, which stands on top of the shield.
  • The shield itself, divided into three parts. The upper part shows the Victoria Falls, the middle part features a hoe and a pick crossed together, and the lower part depicts the Zambezi River.
  • On either side of the shield, there are two figures: a man and a woman dressed in traditional clothing, symbolizing the people of Zambia.
  • Below the shield, there is a scroll with the national motto “One Zambia, One Nation.”
  • This coat of arms and the motto encapsulate Zambia’s unity and the importance of its natural resources. The public seal is a representation of the nation’s sovereignty and authority.

National Motto

“One Zambia, One Nation”

This motto was adopted at the time of Zambia’s independence in 1964. It was introduced by Zambia’s first President, Kenneth Kaunda, as a means to promote unity and national identity in a country that is home to numerous ethnic groups and languages.

The motto signifies the aspiration for unity among the diverse peoples of Zambia, emphasizing the importance of national cohesion and solidarity. It reflects the country’s commitment to overcoming divisions and working together for the common good, fostering a sense of national pride and shared identity among its citizens.

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