The Unisa Crest

The crest is reserved for official university ceremonies, such as graduations, investitures and inaugurations. It is the endorsing identity for all official documentation such as degrees, certificates and diplomas that signify official recognition of achievement by the university. It features the new motto. "Pro Gentibus Sapientia", which means "Learning in the service of humanity" derived from the institution's vision, "Towards the African university in the service of humanity," it captures the values of the new institution.

Flames represent the freedom that comes with education. Sparks represent creativity and enlightenment. The calabash symbolises abundance and the role of the university in the community, generosity and sharing, and is adorned with diamonds to signify the wealth of knowledge each of the five UNISA colleges confers. The arch represents the brain. The wave-like pages represent an open book. The unity symbol represents the interdependence that lies at the root of African humanity. Finally, the tusks represent the honour, integrity, and strength of this truly African university.

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