National Anthem Of South Africa Article Index for
National Anthem
Website Links For
National Anthem
 

Information About

National Anthem Of South Africa




Nkosi Sekelel' iAfrika was composed in 1897 by Enoch Sontonga , a Methodist School Teacher . It was originally sung as a church hymn but later became an act of political defiance against the apartheid Government. Die Stem van Suid-Afrika/The Call of South Africa was written by C.J. Langenhoven in 1918 . "Die Stem" was the co-national anthem with God Save The King/Queen from 1936 to 1957 , when it became the sole national anthem through 1995 . The South African Government under Nelson Mandela adopted both songs as national anthems from 1995 until they were merged in 1997 to form the current anthem.


LYRICS

''from "Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika"''


ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF XHOSA AND ZULU VERSION


Lord bless Africa

May her glory be lifted high

Hear our petitions

Lord bless us, your children


Lord we ask You to protect our nation

Intervene and end all conflicts

Protect us, protect our nation

Protect South Africa, South Africa



ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF AFRIKAANS VERSION


Out of the blue of our heavens

Out of the depths of our seas

Over our everlasting mountains

Where the echoing crags resound


Sounds the call to come together,

And united we shall stand,

Let us live and strive for freedom,

In South Africa our land.


EXTERNAL LINKS