With a month to go before the FIFA World Cup kicks off in South Africa, the South African department of arts and culture (DAC) on Sunday urged South Africans to flaunt their national pride. It encouraged South Africans to fly the country's flag high in their homes, offices and cars. Already in Johannesburg many motorists are displaying the colorful green, red, white and black South African flag in a variety of ways. These include car pendants and 'socks' which fit over the non-reflective part of external mirrors. 'National symbols are often the means by which international visitors first and foremost identify with a country, be it the national flag or national anthem, perhaps even the national animal,' the department said in a statement. 'And that is why the department of arts and culture is encouraging all South Africans to proudly display the national flag at their offices, homes on their cars, anywhere that is suitable for the symbol to be placed.' The South African Press Association reported on Sunday that the 'Fly the Flag for Football' campaign has been adopted by the South African DAC. The aim is to educate international visitors about South African symbols and to create an atmosphere of national pride among South Africans during the sporting event. Paul Mashatile, deputy minister of the South African DAC told SAPA that 'All of our symbols have a special meaning to the people of the South Africa and are a visible representation of our African heritage, and the diverse nature of our communities.' Mashatile was on Friday night re-elected provincial chairman of South Africa's ruling African National Congress in Gauteng province. 'It is crucial for the future of a united South Africa, that every citizen respects these symbols and learn the protocol around them as this will give us a common identity,' he said. The campaign would not only be stirring up feelings of patriotism among South Africans, but also educate citizens on correct protocol when flying the flag or singing the South African national anthem, the department said. It said a person following correct flag etiquette should never allow the South African flag to touch the ground or use it as a table cloth. 'When the national anthem is played, people should always stand and remove their hats or caps as a sign of respect.' 