#ImStaying member, Nikita le Grange, sent us this great #ImStaying challenge:
#CallToStandTogetherChallenge.
A friend and fellow mindfulness meditation teacher, Di Smith, is calling South Africans to come together, to stand unified, once a day.
Here is her call to action:
“Last night, amidst the noise and fear surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and the uncertainty we are faced with, both individually and collectively, I received a clip of Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng’s press address. In closing, he called for South Africans to face this nationwide challenge with prayer. A prayer all South Africans know is our National Anthem.
It is a unifying force.
Could the singing of our national anthem at our sports events be one of the keys that has unlocked unity in our sport?
Our national anthem is understood by all, regardless of race, background or beliefs. It speaks to the heart of every South African – God protect South Africa; God bless our people. It is a unifying force.
The power of singing.
A few years ago, my husband and I were attending a funeral near Greytown. The person’s daughter had worked with us for several years. A small girl of about seven years old, who was sitting near me, was heartbroken at the loss of her grandmother and was crying with heart-wrenching sobs. One of the elders walked quietly over to her, touched her on the shoulder and asked her to sing. Her small voice joined in the singing of a prayer and gradually her tears dried up.
Music has traditionally been an integral part of the way of life for many South Africans. Richard Dowden in his book ‘Africa: Altered States, Ordinary Miracles’ has this to say: “If music were wealth, Africa would be rich… African music catches a spirit, a profound talent for living, enjoying life when it is good and surviving the bad times.”
Imagine.
Imagine a South Africa where we pause as a nation, every morning at 8 am, to sing together our National Anthem.
Imagine that Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika is sung in every home each morning at eight.
Imagine that we, the people of South Africa, stop as a nation to pray together every morning with words that all of us know.
Imagine that we unify as a people by singing our national anthem, and those of us who are sick, frightened, or isolated, we will not feel alone.”
#ImStaying encourages all South Africans to participate in this inspiring challenge.
Copy the words below and stick it to your fridge, or on a notice board.
Copy the video to your phone, send it far and wide.
Let us unite, although socially distanced, to curb the spread of Covid-19; even though we are frightened and concerned.
#CallToStandTogetherChallenge
Let us meet in meditation, prayer, and song each morning at 8 am.
“Sound the call to come together, and united we will stand. Let us live and strive for freedom, in South Africa our land. God Bless Africa.”
Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika
First verse, first two lines in Xhosa (with translation)
Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika
Maluphakanyisw’ uphondo lwayo,
Lord bless Africa
May her glory be lifted high,
First verse, last two lines in Zulu (with translation)
Yizwa imithandazo yethu,
Nkosi sikelela, thina lusapho Iwayo.
Hear our prayers
Lord bless us, your children.
Second verse in Sesotho (with translation)
Morena boloka setjhaba sa heso,
O fedise dintwa le matshwenyeho,
O se boloke, O se boloke setjhaba sa heso,
Setjhaba sa, South Afrika, South Afrika.
Lord we ask You to protect our nation,
Intervene and end all conflicts,
Protect us, protect our nation,
Protect South Africa, South Africa.
Third verse in Afrikaans (with translation)
Uit die blou van onse hemel,
Uit die diepte van ons see,
Oor ons ewige gebergtes,
Waar die kranse antwoord gee,
Out of the blue of our skies,
From the depths of our seas,
Over our everlasting mountains,
Where the echoing crags resound,
Fourth verse in English
Sounds the call to come together,
And united we shall stand,
Let us live and strive for freedom,
In South Africa our land.
HERE is a link to a beautiful rendition of our anthem. Spread it far and wide.
Editor: Erna Maré
For more positive and uplifting stories visit us at #ImStaying
GOOD THOUGHTS • GOOD WORDS • GOOD DEEDS
