GSA Emblem & Heraldry

Heraldic Basis & Symbolism Of The Proposed New Emblem

SUBMISSION TO THE GSA MANAGEMENT BY ADV PIERRE LOUW FEBRUARY 1 st 2017 [DESIGNED - NOVEMBER 2016] A PROPOSAL FOR THE RENEWAL OF THE GSA OFFICIAL EMBLEM HERALDIC SYMBOLISM OF THE PROPOSED NEW OFFICIAL EMBLEM FOR THE GAUTENG SOCIETY OF ADVOCATES HERALDIC BASIS & SYMBOLISM OF THE PROPOSED NEW EMBLEM

This is a humble and heartfelt submission embracing the foundations of our law whilst concurrently aspiring for constructive renewal within an African context.

The components of the newly proposed logo for the GSA bear the following symbolic meaning and value - namely:

  • Banners: The Banners at the top and bottom of the logo refer to the location and association of the entity - i.e. Gauteng South Africa [top banner] & being an Association for Advocates [bottom banner]
  • The Central Shield: The heraldic symbolism of the shield is of particular importance. The design of the central shield is based on the ancient gilded edge African Ceremonial Amara Shield. The circle symbolizes equality and unity between all GSA associates - striving for objective perseverance and renewal of the law - when required - in a continuum of time and space.
  • The Central Shield (continued): The shining dark red background of the continuous circle - symbolizes the righteousness and sovereignty of the law and a call to the continuous and impeccable prudence of practitioners of the law - at all times.
  • The fleur-de-lis in laurel wreath interwoven: The fleur-de-lis [at the bottom of the central shield] symbolizes the authority of law and a call to comprehensive comradeship and cooperation between all practitioners of the law generally and all associates of the GSA in particular.
  • The components inside the Central Shield:
    • The Scales of Justice hold predominance at the center of the shield and symbolize the touchstone of equity, righteousness and fairness in law - the application of the audi alteram partem rule.
    • Hammer (Marteau) of Law: The Marteau symbolizes the honesty and compelling power of the judiciary, but also that sustained and sustainable action is essential to unlock the gates of justice, humanity and equality before the law.
    • The Book of Law: The book manifests the revelation of Natural Law to Mankind. It represents a call to honour universal values that underpin righteousness to all men...
  • Slips juxta-posed to the Central Shield: The inclusion of prominent Roman Legal Philosophers recognize the undeniable authority of Roman law in contemporary law.
    • Gaius [(c) 130-180aC on the left]: The Institute of Gaius (c) 161aC among other things examine disputes regarding the status of citizens before the law, including the establishment and the preservation of personal rights in property; intestate succession and concurrent remedies in law. Gaius's contribution is indisputable...
    • Cicero [160 - 43bC - on the right]: Cicero - in De Legibus - states:"... the welfare of the people is the highest law". This dictum still resonates in modern human rights law - as it does in the South African Bill of Rights 1996. Cicero's founding contribution is undeniable...
    • The slips focus attention... The parchment in Gaius's hand, symbolizes the written law. Cicero's hand focusses the reader's mind on symbols of historical & modern law in the central shield. Thus proposed for consideration by the GSA Exco on this the 1st day of February 2017.