CA Country Anthems

South Africa National Anthem History

Nkosi Sikelel iAfrika · National Anthem of South Africa

South Africa's national anthem was established in 1997 by combining two historically distinct anthems. This unique composition reflects the nation's multi-racial identity by incorporating lyrics in five of its official languages.

South Africa Nkosi Sikelel iAfrika

South Africa

Language
Zulu
Anthem
Nkosi Sikelel iAfrika
Duration
2:03
Status
Today, the anthem continues to be a unique blend of five official languages, symbolizing South Africa's unity and diverse cultural heritage.

History timeline

  1. 1920s

    "Die Stem van Suid Afrika" began unofficial use among white South Africans.

  2. 1957

    "Die Stem van Suid Afrika" was made the country’s official anthem.

  3. 1994

    After the adoption of a multi-racial government, both "N’kosi Sikelel’ iAfrika" and "Die Stem" served as interim national anthems.

  4. 1997

    On October 10, the two anthems were officially combined into a single national anthem.

The national anthem is one of only a few in the world that ends in a different musical key than it begins, due to its combination of two distinct pieces of music.