CONcourt Logo

TENDERCLES EVERYWHERE: CHIP's sharp parody of the iconic Constitutional Court logo is a stark warning against interference by the executive in the judiciary.

This cartoon is based on the brilliant logo of the Constitutional Court which is the 1994 creation of designer and artist Carolyn Parton. An account of the design process may be read HERE, from whence the creative rationale below has been extracted.

The Constitutional Court Logo has the following features:

1. The Tree: Represents the justice system which, historically, in the African tradition, was conducted in the open air under a tree. This symbolizes transparency. Any man passing by could join in and participate in the proceedings. Today men and women take part as equals. This symbolizes accessibility for all.
   
   
2. The Branches: The solid trunk and overarching branches of the tree protect the people.
   
   
3. The People under the Tree: The diverse and inter-dependent people are looking after the tree which shelters them.
   
   
4. The Flag: In the middle of the tree are evocations of the South African flag. This symbolizes the ownership by the people of the Constitution as protected by the Constitutional Court.
   
   
5. The Outlines of South Africa: The outlines of South Africa can be discerned in the upper sections of the branches, highlighting the fact that South Africa is one, sovereign, democratic state founded on constitutional values.
   
   
6. The Leaves: protruding from the Circle: Signify that South Africa is an open society looking to the future.
   
   
7. The Circular Shape: Indicates that constitutional justice continues infinitely into the future, promoting lively growth of the nation in which everyone is secure in dignity, equality and freedom, from generation to generation.