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The
National Anthem |
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The national anthem of South Africa
The national anthem of South Africa -officially established 10th of may 1994 - has been composed and texted by Enoch Sontonga, a !Khosa from the Mpinga Clan. He was born 1873 in the Eastern Cape. He became a teacher at Lovedale Institution and was send later to Nancefield Methodist church (Nancefield- a Township near Johannesburg). It is not sure when he died. Different sources show dates from 1897 to 1904.
In 1897 he wrote "Nkosi Sikelel'i Afrika". 1899 it was brought to the public and it soon advanced the anthem of the black people. 1923 it was first recorded and 1927 the Lovedale Press published the first full copy of the phrases. 1925 is hase been officially adopted by the ANC as closing hymn of all congregations.
"Nkosi Sikelel'i Afrika" is a prayer for peace and hope raised out of source, pain and revolution. This song is expressing the national pride and spirit of the new South Africa and is can be heard all over the continent of Africa - in !Khosa. (Nelson Mandela is a member of the !Khosa).