LOUIS TRICHARDT – Obviously-confused councillors heard this week that a spear, in the African cultural context, symbolises peace and harmony. The subject was a proposed new coat of arms for the Makhado Municipality.

The expert with this novel view of a traditional weapon of war, conflict, death and destruction, is a representative from Faranani Designs, who according to the official minutes, developed five options for a new Coat of Arms for the Makhado Municipality "in consultation with all stakeholders."

According to the agenda of this week's Municipal Council meeting, the Executive Committee recommended that "Option 5" of five respective options developed by Faranani, should be adopted, subject to the inclusion of Council's motto in a suitable manner; the motto being Peace, Harmony and Prosperity in a Healthy Environment.

In a presentation by a representative of Faranani a blotched circular design was shown, containing icons representing traditional pottery, mountains, water and the Gateway concept. The entire circle is completely divided horizontally by a spear, which the presenter described as "a symbol of peace and harmony" to a stunned audience.

During question time one councillor dared to asked the obvious question: "How on earth?" Confusion reigned while the demonstrator desperately tried to come up with an explanation. The only explanation he could come up with, under an audible murmur, was to revert to the list of symbols in his visual presentation and to draw the attention to the fact that it is plain to see that his list clearly spells out that a spear does in fact symbolise peace and harmony. The Speaker, in an effort to save the day, called Council to order and sternly instructed councillors "not to bombard him (the presenter from Faranani Designs) with questions so that he becomes confused."

The mayor, Cllr Tlakula, tried to explain that the Coat of Arms should portray the diversity in cultures and also the past and the present. The spear, he said, forms part of that past.

Some councillors indicated that there was also a spear in the national Coat of Arms. Another said the spear forms part of the culture of various cultural groups and is typically African.

According to the Exco recommendation Faranani Designs should be instructed to proceed with the formalities for the registration of the Coat of Arms as required by the Heraldry Act, subject thereto that the selected option first be published for comments "in the municipal jurisdiction."