05-07-2025
ICONIC: Springboks' 1995 national anthem featuring Madiba!
The 1995 Rugby World Cup final featured three things South Africa is undoubtedly most proud of – the Springboks, the national anthem, and the late Nelson Mandela, fondly known as Madiba.
The first democratic president made a special appearance at the historic event, which the Boks won for the first time on home soil as the host country.
It also marked the dawn of democracy and the unification of South Africans through sport.
Thirty years ago, South Africa hosted the Rugby World Cup final between New Zealand and the Springboks at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
The national anthem was sung by choral group, Imilonji Kantu Choral Society. The World In Union – a fitting song selection given the context – was performed next by PJ Powers and Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
The emotional and historic game featured legendary players who have since passed, such as Joost van der Westhuizen, James Small, and Chester Williams.
It also starred Nelson Mandela, who brought his infectious Madiba Magic to the stadium. The Springboks ultimately won 15-12 against the All Blacks.
Following the inception of democracy in 1994, the first black president, Nelson Mandela, urged South Africans to mend racial divides and support the Springboks. The move would see him being criticised by militant groups for trying to promote a 'fake unity.'
Nevertheless, Mandela would tell the public of the Boks: 'The country is fully behind them. I have never been so proud of our boys as I am now. I hope that that pride we all share.'
A year later, SA – who were once shunned by the world over Apartheid atrocities – not only hosted the Rugby World Cup but won it too.
Iconic images of the late, proud president – donning green and gold – lifting the Webb Ellis trophy alongside Springbok captain Francois Pienaar made headlines around the world. The historical scenes were credited as the moment South Africans of all races formed a bond through sport and support for, ultimately, the Springboks.
Here are the lyrics to South Africa's beautiful national anthem, as sung before each Springboks game…
Nkosi sikelel' Afrika
Maluphakanyisw' uphondo lwayo
Yizwa imithandazo yethu
Nkosi sikelela thina lusapho lwayo
Morena boloka setjhaba sa heso
O fedise dintwa le matshwenyeho
O se boloke (Ntate) o se boloke setjhaba sa heso
Setjhaba sa South Afrika (South Afrika)
Uit die blou van onse hemel
Uit die diepte van ons see
Oor ons ewige gebergtes
Waar die kranse antwoord gee
Sounds the call to come together
And united we shall stand
Let us live and strive for freedom
In South Africa, our land .
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