Twenty designs have been shortlisted from thousands of entries in the campaign for a new parliamentary emblem, set to be revealed next year.
More than 2 000 South Africans entered their designs for the new emblem to replace the current coat of arms. Entries closed on September 9.
A panel of judges selected the 20 finalists last week.
A total of 164 designs were sent in from the Western Cape and three of them have made the shortlist. They are from Roger Clayton, 58, Noel Franzen, 22, and Malcolm Shaw, 52.
Clayton said he was "over the moon" about being chosen.
"It's a great honour," he said.
Clayton, a freelance graphic designer, designed the cover of the book The Legends Of Springbok Rugby by Doc Craven. It was edited by Clayton's late brother Keith.
His emblem design has the pillars from parliament with figures from ancient San rock art between them. He said the design reflected the four races that parliament represented.
He also has the national flag's colours in his design.
Shaw, a language practitioner at the National Assembly, described himself as "not an artist but an ideas person".
Franzen, an artist and designer, said his design was two flags that crossed each other to take the shape of two bodies with their hands stretched out to parliament in the background.
"I feel great. I didn't expect it," he said.
Many entrants used typical South African symbols such as the flag, the map and the coat of arms, and also displayed the country's diversity.
The 20 short-listed designers will attend workshops from October 3 to 6.
The next phase of elimination will then take place and five designs will be selected for further consideration.
A final design will be refined by the Heraldy, including national herald Themba Mabaso. It will then be presented to parliament's joint rules committee for final approval.