The CREST

THE SAIMH AIMS TO:

Encourage improved handling efficiency in all sectors of commerce & industry.
Maintain and expand and training facilities.
Foster research where necessary.
Provide facilities for the exchange of knowledge, techniques and experience, locally, nationally and internationally.
Increase the number of technically competent materials handing and materials management practitioners.

SOUTH AFRICAN INSTITUTE OF

MATERIALS HANDLING "CREST"

The Meaning Behind the Design

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.