By Nangamso Mabindla

Designing the Buffalo City crest was one of the most difficult jobs he has ever had, said Cuan Miles, graphic design lecturer at Buffalo City Further Education and Training College.

"It had to be something that people could easily identify with, yet it had to reflect the diversity of the area and represent people from all walks of life," Miles said.

In 2001, officials from Buffalo City Municipality visited local tertiary institutions to ask them to submit designs for a new city logo.

"When Mayoral Spokesperson Matthew Mooneiya came to the college, he gave us clear instructions as to what was wanted for the crest." It needed to be simple enough not to confuse the eye, but it also had to reflect the diverse cultures and history of the area.

"A designer is a communicator. You need to design in such a way that people understand what you are trying to communicate," Miles said. "That's what the municipality wanted with their logo, something all its people could easily identify with."

Miles carried out extensive research in preparation for designing the Buffalo City crest. "There is so much history and culture that needed to be incorporated into one design. You need to be at the top of your game to tackle such a task."

His submission was selected from 54 applications received.

The crest is in the shape of an abstract shield, with a red, black and white border around a picture of the sun and a landscape.

Miles decided to shy away from the typical shield-like design used in older crests, "but I did not want to move away from it completely, so I added a few innovations to the design".

Miles pointed out the symbolism within the design. "The sun's rays represent the climate, our Sunshine Coast. You can be very creative with the sun: it represents life, unity, warmth and energy. I believe our people fit that description."

The buffalo horns at the top of the shield represent the historical name of the Buffalo River and also the area's natural heritage. The central image with the sea and rolling hills represents the land in which the people live.

Traditional Xhosa culture is reflected by the black and white border. "The border is rendered in a linear woodcut style, which has a strong tradition in South African art." Along the borders are various symbols from the area: the coelacanth, Aloe Ferox, Xhosa culture and sport, in the form of a boxer.

Trying to encapsulate the area made the task of designing a crest a challenge, Miles explained. "The coelacanth, for example, was discovered here and became almost like an icon. As a designers, you need to know these things."

The striking red and blue spears represent the warriors of the past.

The motto on the crest - Masichume, Sande, Siphumele - translates roughly into "Let's grow, expand and succeed" and best reflects the city's vision of being a people-centred place of opportunity where the basic needs of all are met in a safe, healthy and sustainable environment.

Miles is passionate about his job and loves interacting with his students. "They have all got different personalities and different perspectives," he said. "They have fresh minds as well and I always wanted to give something back to art, because it's beautiful and there are many young minds that have the potential of being great."

At the moment, Miles, who has worked on the DaimlerChrysler intranet, is kept busy teaching and working for private clients.

"The beauty of being a designer is to see your work being used. Every time I look at the crest I feel very proud because my work and legacy will be seen by generations that come once I have gone."

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