On April 13, 2025, during the Nedbank Cup semi-final match between Orlando Pirates and Marumo Gallants at Orlando Stadium, a glaring error blemished an otherwise thrilling football event. The South African national flag was displayed upside down, both on SuperSport and on SABC Sport’s national broadcast.
This oversight, visible to thousands of viewers, was not corrected by any of the stakeholders involved: the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, SuperSport TV, SABC Sport, Nedbank as the tournament sponsor, or Orlando Pirates as the home team.
This collective failure reflects a lack of attention to a symbol that holds deep meaning for South Africans and demands immediate accountability. The South African flag, a beacon of unity and resilience since its adoption in 1994, must be displayed with dignity.
According to the Southern African Vexillological Association, the flag should always have the red band at the top and the black triangle to the left when shown horizontally. Displaying it upside down is traditionally a sign of distress or surrender, which can be interpreted as an insult to our national pride.
While South African law may not necessarily criminalise this act, patriots and public sentiment may view such errors, especially by the national broadcasters like SABC Sport, and SuperSport’s as disrespectful.
This was not a minor oversight. The match was a high-profile event, broadcast live to a national audience, and possibly to other parts of the world through digital viewing, with Orlando Pirates securing a 1-0 victory to advance to the Nedbank Cup final.
Yet, the Ministry of Sports, Arts and Culture, led by Minister Gayton McKenzie, whose department oversees the proper representation of national symbols, failed to ensure compliance with flag protocol. SABC Sport, as the broadcaster, and SuperSport TV, a key stakeholder in South African sports media, share responsibility for the incorrect display on national television.
Nedbank, as the sponsor of the tournament, and Orlando Pirates, as the home team managing the stadium, also had a duty to ensure the flag was correctly presented during such a significant event. All parties failed to act, allowing this error to persist throughout the 90+ minute broadcast.
While there may be no legal penalties for this mistake, the reputational damage is undeniable. South Africans deserve better from those entrusted with representing our national identity, especially during events that celebrate our unity through sport.
I call on the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture to investigate this lapse and ensure that flag protocol is strictly adhered to in future events.
SABC Sport and SuperSport TV must issue a public apology and implement measures to prevent such errors in their broadcasts. Nedbank and Orlando Pirates should also acknowledge their roles and commit to greater oversight in future tournaments and matches.
The South African flag is more than a symbol; it is a testament to our shared history and aspirations. It deserves respect from all who display it.
Let this incident serve as a reminder that national pride cannot be taken lightly. We must honour our flag with the dignity it represents, on and off the field.
Sandile Mlangeni is passionate about youth activism. He started his journey as an activist in 2012 when he started collaborating with community-based organisations in his hometown in Tsakane and Kwa-Thema, Ekurhuleni.
