If you don't know the national anthem, learn it

GEORGE NEWS - It is important that people should know the national anthem and be able to sing it. This is the message that emerged when George Herald asked locals about its importance after South African singer Kurt Darren bungled the words at a rugby Varsity Cup final in Stellenbosch.

People who spoke to the paper also pointed out that, as one of the country's national symbols, it will feature during Freedom Day celebrations this Saturday, 27 April. They feel if someone doesn't know it, it is high time that they learn it.

Bevin Fortuin, former Springbok rugby player, said if people know the words of Kurt Darren's song, Kaptein (span die seile), they should be able to sing the national anthem. The singing of the national anthem helps with nation-building and brings people together. He will never forget the moment when he, as part of the Springbok team, sang the anthem before his second test for the Springboks at Twickenham in London.

Sydney Opperman, former mayor of George and a community leader, said while it remains the national anthem, people should learn it. He believes the country should get a new anthem that will bind people together, as both parts of the current anthem come from the past. The anthem should be in line with South Africa's motto, "United in diversity".

Gerda Stols, a cultural leader in the Voortrekker movement, among others, said every citizen should know the anthem. If a person wants to be a member of the Voortrekker movement, he/she must know the words and be able to sing it. "The national anthem is seen as part of our country's heritage and future."

Former CEO of the ATKV Japie Gouws, a cultural leader and businessman, said the use of the anthem is an excellent opportunity to bring about nation-building and reconciliation. If people don't know the anthem they should start learning it. "Everybody has a responsibility to promote national pride and social cohesion," he said, "and the anthem is the ideal place to start".

Gerda Stols.

Christo Vorster, headmaster of Outeniqua High School, said the anthem is sung at the school every Monday morning. If the learners don't sing it well, the matter is addressed. He said people in South Africa should do much more for nation-building.

Abrie de Swardt, well-known sports-admini-strator, said the singing of the anthem gives people a collective sense of pride and helps to bring them together. If a person wants to sing the anthem with pride, he/she must know the words. It is important to know the complete national anthem of South Africa.

Sydney Opperman