"The flag was recently registered with the Department of Arts and Culture," the flag's designer Eugene Brockman told the Citizen newspaper.

"We received the certificate that had been officially endorsed by government but are awaiting the signature of the minister before everything is finalised."

Brockman, who was expected to deliver the news at the annual Joburg Pride Day on Saturday, said the six different colours on the flag symbolised the nation's freedom and diversity, not only in connection with race and culture, but also sexuality.

The colours of the LGBTIA flag are red, representing life, orange for healing, yellow for sunlight, green for nature, indigo for magic and violet for spirit.

South Africa's post-apartheid Constitution was the first in the world to outlaw discrimination against sexual orientation and, in 2006, it legalised same-sex marriages.