National Anthem of South Africa
The National Anthem of South Africa is a "patriotic musical composition" that "symbolises and evokes the history and traditions" of the country[1]. All Scouts promise to do their duty to their country.
Meerkats learn about the country for the Proudly South African Badge, which includes the following:
- Recognise South Africa's National Anthem and know how to behave when it is sung.
Cubs working on their Silver Wolf Outdoor Challenge must:
- Behave correctly [...] during the singing of national anthems.
- Learn the words of the national anthem and sing it together with other Cubs.
When preparing to become a Scout, Recruits are required to:
- Sing or recite the South African national anthem and briefly describe its history.
Lyrics
Nkosi sikelel' iAfrika
Maluphakanyisw' uphondo lwayo,
Yizwa imithandazo yethu,
Nkosi sikelela, thina lusapho lwayo.
Morena boloka setjhaba sa heso,
O fedise dintwa la matshwenyeho,
O se boloke, O se boloke setjhaba sa heso,
Setjhaba sa South Afrika - South Afrika.
Uit die blou van onse hemel
Uit die diepte van ons see
Oor ons ewige gebergtes
Waar die kranse antwoord gee,
Sounds the call to come together
And united we shall stand
Let us live and strive for freedom
In South Africa our land
History
The national anthem of South Africa combines parts of two existing songs: the hymn "Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika" ("God Bless Africa") and the previous national anthem during apartheid, "Die Stem van Suid-Afrika" ("The Call of South Africa").
The hymn "Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika" was written by Reverend Enoch Sontonga, and became a song of the struggle for freedom in South Africa. Translated into many different languages, it is also the national anthem of several other countries in Southern and East Africa. There are no standard versions and the words vary from region to region depending on the language of those singing it. The first two verses of the national anthem are from "Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika", and are sung in three languages: Xhosa, Zulu, and Sesotho.
The second part comes from "Die Stem van Suid-Afrika", written by the poet and author C.J. Langenhoven with music by M.L. de Villiers. It was the national anthem between 1938 and 1996. The last two verses are sung in two languages: Afrikaans and English. The lyrics of the English verse have been changed from the original.
In the past, "Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika" and "Die Stem" represented the two opposing sides of a divided country. Between 1994 and 1996 they served as joint anthems, singing both songs in their entirety. In 1997, the two anthems were combined to form the new National Anthem, a powerful symbol of national unity.
References
- ↑ Wikipedia article on national anthems