Activity 83: Our country

Our national anthem

We stand to attention when we sing the national anthem to show our respect. Learn it by heart.

- Stand up straight. - Your feet must be together. - Keep your hands next to your sides (not in your pockets).

Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika

The ±rst two lines of verse 1 are in Xhosa (translation on the right) Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika Maluphakanyisw’ uphondo lwayo, Lord, bless Africa May her glory be lifted high The last two lines of verse 1 are in Zulu Yizwa imithandazo yethu,

Nkosi sikelela, thina lusapho Iwayo. Hear our petitions Lord, bless us. Us your children Verse 2 is in Sesotho Morena boloka setjhaba sa heso,

O fedise dintwa le matshwenyeho, O se boloke, O se boloke setjhaba sa heso, Setjhaba sa, South Afrika, South Afrika. Lord, we ask you to protect our nation Intervene and end all con¶icts Protect us, protect our nation Protect South Africa, South Africa! Verse 3 is in Afrikaans Uit die blou van onse hemel, Uit die diepte van ons see, Oor ons ewige gebergtes, Waar die kranse antwoord gee, Ringing out from our blue heavens, from our deep seas breaking round, Over everlasting mountains where the echoing crags resound Verse 4 is in English Sounds the call to come together, And united we shall stand, Let us live and strive for freedom, In South Africa our land!