This was said by Reverend Phinda Ngwenya, chaplain of the Joburg Metro police at the Altrek sports complex during the launch of the Winter Safety campaign.
The anthem, which was sung in high-pitched and inaudible tones, couldn’t be sustained throughout by lead singers, resulting in part of the crowd openly disparaging the singers’ efforts. Singing of national anthems worldwide is usually a solemn affair conducted with decorum. This was glaringly not the case on this occasion, resulting in the chaplain expressing concern at the crowd’s lack of understanding of the anthem’s importance, and the behaviour expected. “Singing of the national anthem is an occasion to inspire national unity, peace and dedication to our democracy. I urge those not familiar with it to get free copies of it at libraries, practise its wording, and if necessary, teach your children how to sing it eloquently,” he said.
