Lyrics
Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika
Xhosa / Zulu (shared lines)Nkosi sikelel’ iAfrika
Maluphakanyisw’ uphondo lwayo
Yizwa imithandazo yethu
Nkosi sikelela, thina lusapho lwayo
SesothoMorena boloka setjhaba sa heso,
O fedise dintwa le matshwenyeho,
O se boloke, O se boloke setjhaba sa heso,
Setjhaba sa South Afrika - South Afrika
AfrikaansUit die blou van onse hemel,
Uit die diepte van ons see,
Oor ons ewige gebergtes,
Waar die kranse antwoord gee,
EnglishSounds the call to come together,
And united we shall stand,
Let us live and strive for freedom,
In South Africa our land.
English translation
Xhosa / Zulu (shared lines)God bless Africa,
May her glory be lifted high.
Hear our prayers,
God bless us, your family.
SesothoLord, protect our nation,
End wars and suffering,
Protect it, protect our nation,
The nation of South Africa - South Africa.
AfrikaansThe blue of our skies,
The depths of our seas,
Our eternal mountains
Where the cliffs echo back.
EnglishSounds the call to come together,
And united we shall stand,
Let us live and strive for freedom,
In South Africa our land.
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History
When South Africa’s national anthem is performed in its official full version, it incorporates five languages in a fixed order. The opening section is shared by Xhosa and Zulu, so although five languages are represented, the anthem is sung in four consecutive sections:
- Xhosa/Zulu
- Sesotho
- Afrikaans
- English
Sources
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