Spine-chilling to cringe-worthy: SA's most memorable national anthem moments

Few moments stir the soul like the South African national anthem being sung before a Rugby clashes.

Over the years, the anthem has produced some of the most stirring scenes of unity, while also delivering a handful of infamous off-key performances. Although the blunders are still spoken about, the powerful renditions far outweigh the bad.

The Best Performances

At the very top is Talitha Luiters, who on the 23rd August sang the national athem at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town, becoming the  youngest performer to lead Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika at a Rugby match. Her powerful yet composed delivery instantly became a fan favourite, praised for its poise, clarity, and emotion. For many South Africans, her performance captured a perfect blend of pride and inspiration, placing it among the greatest ever heard on rugby’s biggest stage.

Other notable high points include:

Imilonji Kantu Choral Society (1995, Ellis Park, Johannesburg)

They performed the newly democratic anthem, when both "Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika" and "Die Stem van Suid-Afrika" were adopted as national anthems by the government, in the presence of Nelson Mandela, a historic moment that marked South Africa’s unity and hope. Their stirring rendition was followed by the Springboks’ iconic World Cup victory, embedding the performance in national memory.

PJ Powers (1995, Ellis Park, Johannesburg) 

While she did not sing the anthem, Powers stood out for her rendition of World in Union, which became one of the most memorable musical moments of that tournament and added to the celebratory spirit of South Africa’s first Rugby World Cup win.

Simphiwe Dana (2007, Paris, France)

South African singer Simphiwe Dana performed the national anthem at the opening match of the 2007 Rugby World Cup in Paris, before South Africa played England. The performance was notable for its powerful and heartfelt rendition, leaving a lasting impression on fans and players alike.

South African Rugby Team led by Captain Siya Kolisi and the Crowd (2023, France) – Before a 2023 World Cup match, the team and the crowd delivered a heartfelt and powerful rendition of the anthem, creating a moving moment of unity and national pride.

Throughout the years, every time the anthem was performed with such power and feeling, the Springboks seemed to rise to the occasion, often ending up victorious and clenching the World Cup, making these renditions all the more iconic.

Worst performances

While the Springbok anthem has seen many stirring performances, the most unforgettable though not for the right reasons was that of Ras Dumisani in 2009, France.

The reggae singer kicked off the anthem completely off-key before forging ahead with his own unconventional rendition, leaving spectators wincing and commentators shaking their heads and players seen laughing.

The performance drew widespread criticism, including from the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation, which called the incident “unfortunate.” Former South African Rugby Union President Oregan Hoskins even wrote to French rugby officials demanding an explanation, though it later emerged that the organisers had no role in selecting Dumisani as the singer.

Dumisani himself defended the rendition, blaming technical difficulties and an “old microphone” for what many remembered as one of the most notorious moments in World Cup anthem history.

Ard Matthews (2011 Springbok squad unveiling for the 2011 Rugby World Cup)

To cap off the presentation, Matthews, former frontman of Just Jinjer, bravely stepped up to sing the national anthem, guitar in hand. Matthews kicked off the first line perfectly, a true professional. Then came the second line… and things went sideways. Notes wobbled, timing faltered, and before long, Matthews let out an embarrassed chuckle, apologising for “being so nervous”.

Kurt Darren (2019, Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch during the Varsity Cup final)

Better known for his pop hits, Darren’s flat and passionless delivery fell short of the occasion, drawing frustration from supporters, with the singer even mispronouncing and forgetting lyrics at certain points.

While the mishaps remain memorable, they are rare compared to the wealth of stirring performances that have lifted both players and fans.

Weekend Argus