Original words and music by Enoch Mankayi Sontoga, 1897
Additional words and music by SEK Mqhayi, 1927
Written by Enoch Sontonga in 1897, this became the most inspiring song in a hundred years of struggle for freedom in South Africa. It was adopted by the African National Congress as its official anthem in 1912, and its tune is used for the anthems of several neighbouring nations. Everywhere in the world it became a powerful symbol of hope and defiance for all who rejected the racist dictatorship. In March 1987 the Solidarity Choir was formed to sing Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika to welcome Oliver Tambo the visiting President of the ANC to Sydney.
Lyrics:
Ma kube njalo. Ma kube njalo.
Kude kube ngonaphakade.
Kude kube ngonaphakade!
Nkosi sikelel’ iAfrika.
Maluphakanisw’uphondo lwayo.
Yizwa imithandazo yethu.
Nkosi sikelela. Thina lusapho lwayo.
Woza moya.
Woza moya oyingcwele.
Nkosi sikelela.
Thina lusapho lwayo.
Morena boloka sechaba sa heso,
O fedise dintwa le matswenyeho.
O se boloke, o se boloke.
Sechaba sa heso! Sechaba sa Afrika!
Translation:
Amen, so be it forever and ever.
God protect Africa, may its horn be held on high. Please listen to our prayers. God bless us, her children.
Spirit, descend. God bless. Holy spirit, descend. Bless us, we her children.
God protect our nation, bring an end to wars and suffering. Protect us God, protect our nation, Africa.
Amen, so be it forever and ever.
