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COMRADES IN SONG: Cosatu general-secretary Zwelinzima Vavi, President Jacob Zuma and Cosatu president Sdumo Dlamini sing the national anthem at the start of Cosatu's national congress. photo: GCIS

Popcru's proposal will be debated by more than 3,000 delegates attending the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) national congress in Midrand.

In its proposed resolution, Popcru argues that the two versions of Afrikaans and English were included as a compromise position through the Convention for a Democratic South Africa (Codesa) processes.

"The current national anthem was a compromise out of the deliberations of Codesa between 1992 and 1993 during the political engagement which led to the new Constitution.

"The combination with Die Stem is the direct opposite of what Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika entails or what it means to the Africans," reads the statement.

"The original Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika must be the only South African national anthem, as composed by Enoch Sontonga."

Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika was largely su ng by blacks during the apartheid era, while the white state regarded Die Stem as their official national anthem.

Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika is also sung in Zimbabwe and Zambia.

As a sign of unity, the first democratic government, led by former president Nelson Mandela, combined the two anthems to symbolise the rainbow nation.

But many people, particularly black South Africans, were unhappy with the combination.

In some gatherings Die Stem version was disregarded, and right-wing elements also ignored Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika.

Popcru has also proposed that a section of the Police Act of 1995, which prohibits police from holding political office, should be scrapped.

- mabuzak@sowetan.co.za

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Sun May 19 04:02:04 SAST 2013 ::

Sep 18, 2012

Danger1985

eish...yah neh...
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Sep 18, 2012

Voetzek

Popcru members are retarded straight and simple
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Sep 18, 2012

lucky7

Popcru comes up with a stupid idea i have ever heard...Popcru just like COSATU dropped the ball..they no longer focus on workers related issues because they failed their members dismally.
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Sep 18, 2012

RobinH

Classic: If you have absolutely nothing meaningful to table, then table something completely ridiculous.
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Sep 18, 2012

Mgwijikhwebu

Popcru you are spot on. That's long overdue.
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Sep 18, 2012

ThirdEye

This will divide the Nation, something that we don't need.
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Sep 18, 2012

tefson

so popcru wants to cut the peace marriage this country has ....it will be very interesting to c what mandela and those that sacrificed 4 the well being of this country........i thought Malema was Dump at times but this is even worst than the weaning of economic freedom by juju.
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Sep 18, 2012

Chyna!!!

POPCRU MEMBERS MUST BE ON DRUGS... NYAOPE, NOGAL...

WHAT'S THE WORST THAT YOU CAN COME UP WITH?

FUTSEK MAAN, JULLE RAAK MENSE KAAK GEWOONT!

MANINGANAMSEBENZI, HAMBANI NIYO GALLIVANTA E ZOO WHERE YOU'LL FIND YOUR FRIENDS! MXM, YOU DUMBOS
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Sep 18, 2012

MissBhakajuju

so Popcru, how about we go back to the Original Nkosi sikelela... which is isiXhosa language only....

and drop the Sotho in the version ??? would that also be fair ???
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Sep 18, 2012

BlacknProud2

ok Popcru wants SA anthem changed’’
The people of South Africa wants Housing, Roads, Efficient and accessible transport system, Schools with resources i.e. BOOKS TO START WITH., water, electricity, no crime.
Thank you


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