The national anthem of South Africa is a combination of Die Stem van Suid-Afrika, the former national anthem adopted in 1927, and Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika, a popular African song. The national status of this composition was given by the President of the Republic Frederik de Klerk, on 20 April 1994.

The version is sung in the five major official languages of the country: Xhosa, Zulu, Sotho, Afrikaans and English.

The national flag of South Africa comprises black, green and yellow representing the colours of Africa, while red, white and blue represent the Boers.

The national anthem and the flag are two unifying symbols in this multiracial country, which has witnessed terrible upheavals, and developed in battles. After very disturbing periods, each component of South Africa now aspires for prosperity and to live as one nation with the other communities.

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Xhosa/zoulou version

Nkosi sikelel’ iAfrika
Maluphakanyisw’ uphondo lwayo,
Yizwa imithandazo yethu,
Nkosi sikelela, thina lusapho lwayo.

Sesotho version

Morena boloka setjhaba sa heso,
O fedise dintwa la matshwenyeho,
O se boloke, O se boloke setjhaba sa heso,
Setjhaba sa South Afrika - South Afrika.

Afrikaans version

Uit die blou van onse hemel,
Uit die diepte van ons see,
Oor ons ewige gebergtes,
Waar die kranse antwoord gee,

English version

Sounds the call to come together,
And united we shall stand,
Let us live and strive for freedom,
In South Africa our land.