National Anthem of South Africa

The official National anthem of South Africa is an amalgamation of two national anthems - "Die Stem van Suid Afrika" or the Call of South Africa in English and " Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika". The latter was the unofficial National anthem of South Africa.

Prior to the first Democratic elections of South Africa held in 1994, the country had two national anthems - the official anthem "Die Stem van Suid Afrika" and the unofficial anthem " Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika". The unofficial anthem was more popular among the natives since it was a symbol of independence and struggle against apartheid. Majority of the people sang the unofficial anthem at all anti apartheid meetings and rallies.

"Die Stem van Suid Afrika" - Official anthem
This is the official national anthem written by CJ Langenhoven and the music was composed by Reverend ML de Villiers. The first public rendition of this anthem was at the official flag hoisting ceremony at Cape Town on 31 May, 1928. The government declared "Die Stem van Suid Afrika" as the official national anthem of South Africa on 2 May 1957.

" Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika" - Unofficial anthem
The unofficial national anthem was composed by Enoch Sontonga in 1897. The song developed into a popular church hymn and subsequently it was adopted as an anthem at political meetings. It was mostly sung as an act of rebellion.

Lyrics of the Official Version of the National Anthem of South Africa

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