Author(s)

Kuangheng Xu ¹

Affiliation(s)

¹ Shenzhen International Foundation College, Shenzhen, 518127, Guangdong, China

Corresponding Author

Kuangheng Xu

ABSTRACT

To South Africa is a multi-ethnic and multicultural country. The lyrics and melody of its national anthem integrate multiple ethnic languages and cultural elements, reflecting the complexity and diversity of South African society. It not only carries the historical memory of the nation, but also expresses the emotions of different ethnic groups.This paper, by introducing the historical evolution process of South Africa's national anthem as a national cultural symbol, analyzes how the process of rearrangement and selection of elements demonstrates the country's pursuit of reconciliation and unity, and reveals the unique function of the national anthem in enhancing national cohesion and promoting ethnic reconciliation.This study helps to understand the voices of different ethnic groups in the course of historical development, to better recognize the challenges and opportunities South Africa faces regarding race, to provide reference for other multi-ethnic countries in promoting social unity through cultural symbols, and to deepen the understanding of the function of national anthems in the context of globalization.

KEYWORDS

National Anthem; South Africa; Ethnic Relations; Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika; Die Stem van Suid-Afrika

CITE THIS PAPER

Kuangheng Xu. South Africa's National Anthem: A Reflection of Ethnic Relations and a Symbol of Reconciliation. Journal of Sociology and Ethnology (2026). Vol. 8, No.1, 138-142. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.23977/jsoce.2026.080118.

REFERENCES

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