Weg met die wit "Dubula iK****r" - Die Stem: onversoenbare standpunte rakende Suid-Afrika se nasionale volkslied soos weergegee in persberigte
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Date
2017
Authors
Moll, Johan
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Faculty of Humanities, University of the Free State
Abstract
Although it was initially accepted that the inclusion of Die Stem in
the national anthem was part of the compromise reached during
the founding of the new democratic state of South Africa in 1994,
many black people, and especially young blacks, are unapologetic
and insistent in their demands for complete transformation.
Consequently, cries for the removal of Die Stem (closely associated
with apartheid) from the national anthem, Nkosi Sikele’ iAfrica (in
short Nkosi), have grown stronger, as is pointed out in this article,
“Down with the white “Dubula iK****r” – Die Stem: Irreconcilable
views regarding South Africa’s national anthem as presented in press
reports”. Objections against the national anthem are widespread,
and it emanates from many segments of the population. Agnostics
and atheists object to the fact that their views are not taken into
consideration or respected. Some musicologists complain that the
melody of Nkosi’ is prayer-like, in contrast to the triumphal march
music of Die Stem. This article concludes by proferring possible
resolutions in adopting a national anthem that could promote greater
inclusivity, seeing that most whites show scant enthusiasm for the
Nkosi’ lyrics. They, unfortunately, distance themselves from African
languages, while many black people reject the preference given to only
three of the country’s indigenous languages. One solution would be to
change the national anthem to a purely instrumental presentation. This
would entail the appointment of a representative overview panel, with
an appropriate prize for best composition; the latter with the difficult
commission of including elements from all South African languages’
most important songs. Another solution would be to follow Zambia’s
example with only English lyrics in the national anthem. The question,
however, is whether there is sufficient tolerance in this country to
view with empathy all the legitimate protests raised against the South
African national anthem. For the sake of greater unity, sacrifices will
have to be made by all to respect exclusivity, giving every voice a
chance to be heard, to eventually mesh this into a new whole, and in
earnest follow the liberating road to an inclusive national anthem.
Description
Keywords
Die Stem, Nkosi Sikele' iAfrica (Nkosi), Objections, Defence, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Steve Hofmeyr, Culture, Unity, English
Citation
Moll, J. (2017). Weg met die wit "Dubula iK****r" - Die Stem: onversoenbare standpunte rakende Suid-Afrika se nasionale volkslied soos weergegee in persberigte. Journal for Contemporary History, 42(2), 159-179.