PARLIAMENTARY MACES - STH. AFRICA

[Mervyn Mitton]

A small booklet came with my morning paper - courtesy of the Sth. African Govt., and intending to explain how Parliament works. This photo of our two new Maces of Authority is interesting and shows, how despite changes of Government, the old traditions still have a place.

South Africa was taken from the Dutch in 1810 and the Governor of the Cape ruled completely. When a new Governor was appointed in the early 1830's he was told to establish a Privy Council to advise him - later this became an elected Parliament and to show their Authority was from the King they were presented with a large silver Mace. This was similar to the one carried in procession at Westminster, in front of the Speaker and stands in front of him when Parliament is in session. This symbol is on the jerseys of our National Rugby team - the Proteas.

In 1994 the old Government changed to our new African dominated one and the old symbols were changed. These are our new ones and represent some very different styles from what we are used-to. The one on the left has a Protea flower, coming through a traditional drum. The one on the right has an African drum head at the top. The workmanship is of a very high order .

So, despite the changes - our old traditions are still in fashion. Can members give any other examples of this happening ?

p.s. The 1830's Governor was Sir Benjamin D'Urban. He had been Quartermaster General to the Duke of Wellington - with the rank of Major General. The City of Durban in Natal is named after him and when he left South Africa, he became the Governor General of Canada.