i was watching the rugby on Saturday…….actually i lie. I have very little interest in rugby. I was pottering away upstairs while hubby was glued to the screen (beer in one hand and Simba chips in the other). Nkosi Sikileli Africa was being sung and suddenly a surge of voices resonated when the Afrikaans lyrics "Uit die Blou van Onse Hemel" started.
Of course, this is always the case…..Truthfully, who knows ALL the words to our anthem? I don't - there I admitted it and I am by no means proud of this. I am well aware that's it's gross ignorance on my part.
I eventually joined hubby on the couch (what can i say - i wanted the chips) and noted that it's still predominantly white folks attending matches. This explains why the stadium only roars for one half of our anthem. I'm curious why after so many years post-apartheid, rugby is still predominantly a white sport and soccer black? Are we ever going to achieve true, complete race representation in our teams when there seems to have been very little shift within the spectators and supporters? I'm well aware that there are many white people who watch and enjoy soccer as do many black south africans rugby but really little has changed in the dynamics of these sports racially.
I have decided to make a concerted effort to learn our anthems words, mainly because I cannot teach my child only half a song. Yes, before the torrent of negative comments start, also because I do feel guilt. I still would love a rough count though - who actually knows it all?
Disclaimers and Asides: I also have very little interest in soccer. Come all the word-cups though and I become the most patriotic gal ever! I am too very relieved for Mr Heyneke Meyer's part that we won. Maybe this week the poor guy will have some peace.
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