The Republic of South Africa is the southernmost country in Africa. In the north, it is bordered by Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe and in the east by Mozambique and Swaziland. The Atlantic Ocean is on the west coast and the Atlantic on the south and east coasts. It has three capitals, Pretoria (executive), Bloemfontein (judicial) and Cape Town (legislative). The country was a British colony and named the Union of South Africa from 1910 until 1961, when it became independent as the Republic of South Africa. The country held its first “universal” elections in 1994 when the ANC won by an overwhelming majority. By “universal” it is meant that people of all colours were allowed to vote for the first time. Since 1994, the country was once again accepted into the international community. Before these elections and the abolishment of “apartheid” (meaning separate development of races), sanctions had been imposed by the international community and the country was ostracised both economically as well as in the arts and sports.
Before South Africa became a British colony in 1910, each part of the country issued its own stamps.
After becoming a British colony, the first stamp was issued in 1910. As with other British colonies, many of the stamps pictured British monarchs. Between 1926 and 1951, most South African stamps were issued in pairs inscribed SOUTH AFRICA and SUID-AFRIKA. When the country became a Republic in 1961, stamps were inscribed REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA and REPUBLIEK VAN SUID-AFRIKA. After 1967, stamps were inscribed RSA. Most modern issues are just inscribed SOUTH AFRICA.
1910
Union of South Africa Series
SG # 2
Unused (Hinged)
1913
Union of South Africa Series
SG # 3
Used (Hinged)
SG # 4
Unused (Hinged)
SG # 5
Used (Hinged)
SG # 6
Used (Hinged)
Not listed in Stanley Gibbons
Used (Hinged)
SG # 8
Unused (Hinged)
SG # 9
Used (Hinged)
SG # 10a
Used (Hinged)
SG #11
Used (Hinged)
SG # 12
Used (Hinged)
SG # 14
Used (Hinged)
1925
Air Series
SG # 27
Used (Hinged)
1926
Various Scenes Series
SG # 114
Used (Hinged)
SG # 114
Used (Hinged)
SG # 114
Unused (Hinged)
SG # 135
Used (Hinged)
SG # 135
Used (Hinged)
SG # 35
Used (Hinged)
SG # 58
Used (Hinged)
SG # 34
Used (Hinged)
SG # 35
Used (Hinged)
SG # 58
Used (Hinged)
SG # 33
Used (Hinged)
SG # 118
Used (Hinged)
SG # 119a
Used (Hinged)
SG # 120
Used (Hinged)
SG # 121
Used (Hinged)
SG # 64a
Used (Hinged)
1929
Air Series
SG # 40
Used (Hinged)
1933
Voortrekker Memorial Fund Series
SG # 50
Unused (Hinged)
SG # 51
Unused (Hinged)
SG # 52
Unused (Hinged)
SG # 53
Unused (Hinged)
1935
Silver Jubilee Series
SG # 65
Used (Hinged)
SG # 66
Used (Hinged)
SG # 67
Used (Hinged)
SG # 68
Used (Hinged)
1936
Bilingual Pair Series
SG # 57
Unused (Hinged)
SG # 57
Used (Hinged)
Johannesburg International Philatelic Exhibition Series (Stamps of 1926 Overprinted “JIPEX 1936”)
No numbers in SG
Used (Hinged)
No numbers in SG
Used (Hinged)
1937
Coronation Series featuring King George VI
SG # 71
Unused (Hinged)
SG # 72
Unused (Hinged)
SG # 72
Used (Hinged)
SG # 73
Unused (Hinged)
SG # 74
Unused (Hinged)
SG # 75
Unused (Hinged)
1938
Voortrekker Centenary Memorial Fund Series
SG # 76
Used (Hinged)
SG # 77
Used (Hinged)
SG # 78
Used (Hinged)
SG # 79
Used (Hinged)
Voortrekker Commemoration Series
SG # 80
Used (Hinged)
SG # 81
Used (Hinged)
1939
250th Anniversary of Landing of Huguenots in South Africa Series
SG # 82
Unused (Hinged)
SG # 83
Unused (Hinged)
SG # 84
Unused (Hinged)
Groot Constantia and Grote Schuur Series
SG # 117
Used (Hinged)
1941
Bilingual Pair Series
SG # 87
Unused (Hinged)
War Effort Series
SG # 88
Unused (Hinged)
SG # 89
Unused (Hinged)
SG # 90
Unused (Hinged)
SG # 95
Unused (Hinged)
SG # 91
Unused (Hinged)
SG # 92
Unused (Hinged)
SG # 93
Unused (Hinged)
SG # 96
Unused (Hinged)
1942
War Effort Series
SG # 97
Used (Hinged)
SG # 98
Used (Hinged)
SG # 98
Used (Hinged)
SG # 99
Used (Hinged)
SG # 100
Used (Hinged)
SG # 101
Used (Hinged)
SG # 102
Used (Hinged)
SG # 103
Used (Hinged)
SG # 104
Used (Hinged)
1943
Various Scenes Series of 1926 (Plain background in central oval)
SG # 104
Used (Hinged)
1945
Victory Series
SG # 108
Used (Hinged)
SG #1 08
Used (Hinged)
SG # 109
Used (Hinged)
1947
Royal Visit Series
SG # 111
Unused (Hinged)
SG # 112
Unused (Hinged)
SG # 113
Unused (Hinged)
1948
Gold Mines Series
SG # 124
Used (Hinged)
Royal Silver Wedding Series
SG # 125
Unused (Hinged)
1949
Centenary of Arrival of British Settlers in Natal Series
SG # 127
Unused (Hinged)
75th Anniversary of UPU Series
SG # 128
Used (Hinged)
SG # 129
Used (Hinged)
Inauguration of The Voortrekker Monument Series
SG # 131
Used (Hinged)
SG # 132
Used (Hinged)
1950
Union Buildings Series
SG # 134
Used (Hinged)
SG # 134
Used (Hinged)
1952
Tercentenary of the Landing of Van Riebeeck Series
SG # 136
Unused (Hinged)
SG # 137
Used (Hinged)
SG # 138
Used (Hinged)
SG # 139
Unused (Hinged)
SG # 140
Unused (Hinged)
1953
Coronation Series
SG # 143
Unused (Hinged)
Stamp Centenary of Cape of Good Hope
SG # 143
Used (Hinged)
Various Designs Series
SG # 146
Unused (Hinged)
1954
Centenary of the Orange Free State Series
SG # 149
Used (Hinged)
Wild Animals Series
SG # 151
Used (Hinged)
SG # 152
Unused (Hinged)
SG # 153
Used (Hinged)
SG # 154
Used (Hinged)
SG # 155
Used (Hinged)
SG # 156
Used (Hinged)
SG # 158
Used (Hinged)
SG # 159
Used (Hinged)
SG # 160
Used (Hinged)
SG # 161
Used (Hinged)
SG # 162
Used (Hinged)
SG # 163
Used (Hinged)
1955
Centenary of Pretoria
SG # 165
Used (Hinged)
Voortrekker Covenant Celebration Series
SG # 167
Used (Hinged)
SG # 167
Used (Hinged)
1958
Centenary of the Arrival of the German Settlers in South Africa Series
SG # 168
Used (Hinged)
1959
50th Anniversary of the South African Academy of Science & Art Series
SG # 169
Used (Hinged)
South African-Antarctic Expedition Series
SG # 178
Used (Hinged)
1960
50th Anniversary of the Union of South Africa Series
SG # 179
Unused (Hinged)
SG # 180
Used (Hinged)
SG # 181
Used (Hinged)
Union Day Series
SG # 184
Used (Hinged)
1961
Wild Animals Series of 1958 (New Currency)
SG # 185
Used (Hinged)
SG # 186
Unused (Hinged)
SG # 187
Used (Hinged)
SG # 188
Used (Hinged)
Republic Issue Series
SG # 238
Unused (Hinged)
SG # 199
Unused (Hinged)
SG # 200
Used (Hinged)
SG # 229
Unused (Hinged)
SG # 230
Unused (Hinged)
SG # 243
Used (Hinged)
SG # 204
Used (Hinged)
SG # 205
Used (Hinged)
SG # 233
Used (Hinged)
SG # 234
Used (Hinged)
1962
50th Anniversary of the 1st South African Aerial Post Series
SG # 220
Used (Hinged)
Unveiling of the Precinct Stone, British Settlers Monument Series
SG # 222
Used (Hinged)
1963
50th Anniversary of Kirstenbosch Botanic Gardens Series
SG # 224
Used (Hinged)
Centenary of the Red Cross (1863 – 1963) Series
SG # 225
Unused (Hinged)
1st Meeting of Transkei Legislative Assembly Series
SG #237
Used (Hinged)
1964
75th Anniversary of the South African Rugby Board Series
SG # 252
Used (Hinged)
400th Death Anniversary of Calvin Series
SG # 254
Used (Hinged)
50th Anniversary of South African Nursing Association Series
SG # 255
Used (Hinged)
1965
Centenary of ITU Series
SG # 258
Used (Hinged)
Tercentenary of Dutch Reformed Church in South Africa Series
SG # 260
Used (Hinged)
5th Anniversary of the Republic Series
SG # 262
Used (Hinged)
SG # 263
Unused (Hinged)
SG # 264
Unused (Hinged)
1966
Verwoerd Commemoration Series
SG # 266
Used (Hinged)
SG # 267
Used (Hinged)
1967
450th Anniversary of Reformation Series
SG # 269
Used (Hinged)
1968
Inauguration of President Fouche Series
SG # 271
Used (Hinged)
Inauguration of General Herzog Monument, Bloemfontein
SG # 273
Used (Hinged)
SG # 274
Used (Hinged)
1969
Kingfisher and Kaffirboom Series
SG # 276
Used (Hinged)
SG # 277
Unused (Hinged)
South African Games, Bloemfontein Series
SG # 278
Used (Hinged)
World’s’ 1st Heart Transplant & 47th South African Medical Association Congress Series
SG # 280
Used (Hinged)
SG # 281
Used (Hinged)
Centenary of First Stamps of the South African Republic (Transvaal) Series
SG # 297
Used (Hinged)
1970
Water Campaign Series
SG # 299
Used (Hinged)
SG # 300
Used (Hinged)
1971
10th Anniversary of the Republic of South Africa Series
SG # 305
Used (Hinged)
SG # 306
Used (Hinged)
1972
Opening of Hendrik Verwoerd Dam Series
SG # 309
Used (Hinged)
Sheep and Wool Industry Series
SG # 310
Used (Hinged)
1973
50th Anniversary of Escom Series
SG # 326
Used (Hinged)
Centenary of the University of South Africa Series
SG # 330
Used (Hinged)
Bicentenary of Rescue by Wolraad Woltemade Series
SG # 332
Used (Hinged)
SG # 333
Used (Hinged)
Birth Centenary of C.J. Langenhoven Series – Politician and composer of National Anthem
SG # 335
Used (Hinged)
SG # 336
Used (Hinged)
1974
Restoration of Tulbagh Series
SG # 341
Used (Hinged)
Birth Centenary of Dr D.F. Malan Series – Prime Minister
SG # 343
Used (Hinged)
15th World Sugar Congress in Durban Series
SG # 344
Used (Hinged)
50th Anniversary of Broadcasting in South Africa Series
SG # 345
Used (Hinged)
Inauguration of British Settlers Monument in Grahamstown Series
SG # 346
Used (Hinged)
Flora and Fauna Series Series
SG # 348
Used (Hinged)
SG # 349
Used (Hinged)
SG # 350a
Used (Hinged)
SG # 351a
Used (Hinged)
SG # 352
Used (Hinged)
SG#353
Used (Hinged)
SG # 354
Used (Hinged)
SG # 355
Used (Hinged)
SG # 356
Used (Hinged)
SG # 358
Used (Hinged)
SG # 359
Unused (Hinged)
SG # 360
Used (Hinged)
SG # 360
Used (Hinged)
SG # 361
Used (Hinged)
SG # 362
Used (Hinged)
Flowers and Birds Series
SG # 370a
Unused (Hinged)
SG # 371
Used (Hinged)
25th Anniversary of the Voortrekker Monument Series
SG # 374
Used (Hinged)
1975
25th Anniversary of South African Coal Oil and Gas Corporation (SASOL) Series
SG # 375
Used (Hinged)
Inauguration of State President Series
SG # 376
Used (Hinged)
Smuts Commemoration Series
SG # 378
Used (Hinged)
Postal Mechanisation Series
SG # 385
Used (Hinged)
Inauguration of Language Monument in Paarl Series
SG # 386
Unused (Hinged)
SG # 387
Used (Hinged)
1976
Sporting Commemorations Series
SG # 396
Used (Hinged)
Birth Centenary of Eric Mayer Series – painter
SG # 399
Used (Hinged)
World Environment Day Series
SG # 404
Used (Hinged)
50th Death Anniversary of Emily Hobhouse Series – Welfare Worker
SG # 408
Used (Hinged)
Centenary of Ocean Mail Service Series
SG # 409
Used (Hinged)
Family Planning and Child Welfare Series
SG # 410
Used (Hinged)
1977
Birth Centenary of J.D. Du Toit Series – Theologian and Poet
SG # 412
Used (Hinged)
Centenary of Transvaal Supreme Court Series
SG # 413
Unused (Hinged)
Succulents Series
SG # 414
Unused (Hinged)
SG # 415
Unused (Hinged)
SG # 416
Unused (Hinged)
SG # 417
Unused (Hinged)
SG # 418
Unused (Hinged)
SG # 419b
Unused (Hinged)
SG # 420b
Unused (Hinged)
SG # 421a
Unused (Hinged)
SG # 422
Unused (Hinged)
SG # 423
Unused (Hinged)
SG # 424
Mint (NH)
SG # 425
Unused (Hinged)
SG # 426c
Unused (Hinged)
SG # 427
Unused (Hinged)
SG # 428a
Unused (Hinged)
SG # 429a
Unused (Hinged)
SG # 430a
Unused (Hinged)
Coil Series
SG # 431
Unused (Hinged)
SG # 432
Unused (Hinged)
SG # 433
Unused (Hinged)
SG # 434
Unused (Hinged)
50th Anniversary of the National Flag Series
SG # 438
Used (Hinged)
Centenary of Annexation of Walvis Bay Series
SG # 439
Unused (Hinged)
1978
150th Birth Anniversary of Dr Andrew Murray Series – Church Statesman
SG # 440
Used (Hinged)
50th Anniversay of Iscor (South African Iron and Steel Industry Corporation) Series
SG # 441
Unused (Hinged)
South African Harbour Series
Mixed Strip of 5
Mint (NH)
SG # 442
Mint (NH)
SG # 443
Mint (NH)
125th Birth Anniversary of J.E.A. Volscheck Series – Painter
SG # 447
Used (Hinged)
Inauguration of President Vorster Series
SG # 449a
Unused (Hinged)
SG # 450
Unused (Hinged)
1979
25th Anniversary of Tellurometer Series – Radio Distance Measurer
SG # 455
Unused (Hinged)
50th Anniversary of Stamp Production in South Africa Series
SG # 456
Unused (Hinged)
Fuel Conservation Series
SG # 457/8
Unused (Hinged)
SG # 458
Used (Hinged)
Centenary of the Zulu War Series
SG # 459
Unused (Hinged)
50th Anniversary of Christmas Stamp Fund Series
SG # 464
Used (Hinged)
1980
World Diamond Congress Johannesburg Series
SG # 477
Used (Hinged)
Birth Centenary of C.L. Leipoldt
SG # 479
Unused (Hinged)
50th Anniversary of University of Pretoria
SG # 480
Unused (Hinged)
Paintings from South African National Gallery, Cape Town Series
SG # 481
Mint (NH)
SG # 482
Mint (NH)
SG # 483
Mint (NH)
SG # 484
Mint (NH)
Centenary of Paardekraal Monument (cairn commemorating formation of Boer Triumvirate Government) Series
SG # 486
Unused (NH)
SG # 487
Unused (NH)
1981
Centenary of Battle of Amajuba Series
SG # 488
Unused (NH)
SG # 489
Unused (NH)
Opening of State Theatre, Pretoria Series
Mint (NH)
SG # 490
Mint (NH)
SG # 491
Mint (NH)
20th Anniversary of Republic Series
SG # 493
Mint (NH)
SG # 494
Mint (NH)
Centenary for Institutes for Deaf and Blind, Worcester Series
SG # 495
Mint (NH)
SG # 496
Mint (NH)
50th Anniversary of National Cancer Association Series
SG # 497
Mint (NH)
10th World Orchid Conference, Durban Series
Mint (NH)
SG # 498
Mint (NH)
SG # 499
Mint (NH)
SG # 500
Mint (NH)
SG # 501
Mint (NH)
50th Anniversary of Voortrekker Movement (Afrikaans cultural youth organisation) Series
SG # 503
Mint (NH)
1982
75th Anniversary of the Boy Scout Movement Series
SG # 504
Mint (NH)
Centenary of Tubercle Bacillus Series
SG # 505
Mint (NH)
25th Anniversary of Simonstown as South African Naval Base Series
Mint (NH)
SG # 506
Mint (NH)
SG # 507
Mint (NH)
SG # 508
Mint (NH)
SG # 509
Mint (NH)
SA Architecture Series
SG # 511
Mint (NH)
SG # 512b
Mint (NH)
SG # 513
Mint (NH)
SG # 514
Mint (NH)
SG # 515
Mint (NH)
SG # 516
Mint (NH)
SG # 517
Mint (NH)
SG # 518a
Mint (NH)
SG # 518a
Mint (NH)
SG # 519
Mint (NH)
SG # 520a
Mint (NH)
SG # 520a
Mint (NH)
SG # 520c
Mint (NH)
SG # 521
Mint (NH)
SG # 522
Mint (NH)
SG # 523
Mint (NH)
SG # 524
Mint (NH)
SG # 525b
Mint (NH)
SG # 526
Mint (NH)
SG # 527
Mint (NH)
Karoo Fossils Series
Mint (NH)
SG # 532
Mint (NH)
SG # 533
Mint (NH)
SG # 534
Mint (NH)
SG # 535
Mint (NH)
1983
Weather Stations Series
SG # 537
Mint (NH)
SG # 538
Mint (NH)
SG # 539
Mint (NH)
SG # 540
Mint (NH)
Sport in South Africa Series
SG # 548
Used (Hinged)
1985
Paintings by Frans Oerder Series
SG # 577
Used (Hinged)
Centenary of the Cape Parliament Building Series
SG # 584
Used (Hinged)
Cape Silverware Series
SG # 593
Used (Hinged)
1988
150th Anniversary of The Great Trek Series
SG # 673
Mint (NH)
SG # 674
Mint (NH)
SG # 675
Mint (NH)
SG # 676
Mint (NH)
1989
Centenary of the South African Rugby Board Series
SG # 685
Mint (NH)
SG # 686
Mint (NH)
SG # 687
Mint (NH)
SG # 688
Mint (NH)
Inauguration of President F.W. De Klerk Series
SG # 694
Mint (NH)
SG # 695
Mint (NH)
1990
National Stamp Day Series
Mixed Plate Strip of 5 MNH
Mint (NH)
SG # 705
Mint (NH)
SG # 706
Mint (NH)
SG # 707
Mint (NH)
SG # 708
Mint (NH)
SG # 709
Mint (NH)
Birds Series
SG # 710
Mint (NH)
SG # 711
Mint (NH)
SG # 712
Mint (NH)
National Orders Series
Mixed Plate Strip of 3 MNH
Mint (NH)
SG # 719
Mint (NH)
SG # 720
Mint (NH)
SG # 721
Mint (NH)
1994
National Stamp Day Series
SG # 855
Mint (NH)
1995
Tourism Series
SG # 864
Mint (NH)
Country Index
A B C D E F G H I J K L M
N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z