THE
MAIN ELEMENT OF THE DESIGN IS THE SHIELD
The
basic tincture of the shield, known as the "field" is a single
green "vert" from the African veld upon which are placed the
"charges", the torch reflecting enlightenment through knowledge
and the circle of arrows forming a constant cohesive flow (of materials)
from diverse sources.
THE
CREST IS THE SECOND COMPONENT
The
Shield and Crest together form an "achievement of arms" which is
heraldic garlance describes a basic coat of arms.
Our crest is the blue crane which not only serves as a national
symbol and a lifting appliance but through holding a stone in its claw it
also represents viligence. According
to fable, should the crane fall asleep, the stone by dropping would waken
the bird and thus act as its "vigilance".
The crane stands on a sylised bundle of five branches representing
the five sections of the Institute.
THE
ADDITION OF THE HELM AND MANTLE
The
helm or helmet is not specified in a grant of arms but can be added to an
achievement to indicate the rank or degree of the bearer.
We use the helm attributed to gentlemen an esquires.
In place of supporters holding the shield our design incorporates
an extended mantle the jagged edges of which represent sword thursts of
battle and translate into the ongoing endeavour for excellence.
THE
TORSE OR WREATH
Placed
between the Helm and the Crest is a skein of twisted silk
which is intended to hold the mantling in position and hides the
join between the helm and crest. Convention
allows six twists to be shown in alternating colours.
FINALLY
THE MOTTO
Like
the helm an mantle, the motto or "cri de
guerre" is not specified in a grant of arms and in consequence
has lost its war-liken connotation couched in Latin and taken on a modern
context.
Integrity,
Progress, and Professionalism has been the aim of the Institute over the
years and is therefore considered appropriate for its motto.
OVERALL
SYMBOLISATION
Without
being registered with the College of Heraids, it is believed that the
overall design of the heraldic presentation symbolises a controlled and
continuously integrated flow of material bought about through knowledge
and is a worthy successor to the Logo which has served the Institute
Of
Materials Handling in the UK and many Commonwealth countries besides the RSA.
for almost four decades.
