The stage is set for another chapter of one of rugby’s biggest rivalries as the Springboks prepare to face the All Blacks at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday, 22 August.
Kick-off is scheduled for 17:10, and before the action begins, supporters will have one important task: getting ready to sing South Africa’s national anthem with pride.
The story behind ‘Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika’
South Africa’s national anthem has a unique history that reflects the country’s journey.
The anthem combines elements of ‘Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika’ and ‘Die Stem van Suid-Afrika’. The former dates back to the late 19th century, while Die Stem served as South Africa’s national anthem during the apartheid era.
The two musical traditions were brought together following South Africa’s transition to democracy and were officially merged into the country’s current national anthem in 1997.
The result is a powerful anthem that represents South Africa’s diverse history and identity.
Five languages, one anthem
One of the anthem’s most distinctive features is its use of five of South Africa’s official languages:
- isiXhosa
- isiZulu
- Sesotho
- Afrikaans
- English
The opening sections draw from the Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika tradition and express prayers for Africa, its people and the nation.
The Sesotho section continues the appeal for protection, peace and an end to conflict, while the Afrikaans section evokes South Africa’s landscapes, from its skies and seas to its mountains.
The anthem concludes in English with a message centred on unity, freedom and standing together as South Africans.
A special moment before the All Blacks clash
For Springbok supporters, the national anthem is more than a pre-match tradition. It has become one of the most powerful moments surrounding major South African sporting occasions.
As the Springboks prepare to meet New Zealand in the opening match of their four-Test ‘Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry’ series, Ellis Park is expected to be filled with the sound of thousands of supporters singing together.
Do you know all five languages of South Africa’s national anthem?
