Singing the National Anthem With Pride | Western Cape Government

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Singing the National Anthem With Pride

23 August 2013

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) is giving about 40 young artists from six districts in the Western Cape the opportunity to learn the national anthem and sing it together as a group. The experience is expected to improve their vocal ability and it is hoped that the skills they learn will assist them to pursue a successful career in music.

The artists took part in the national anthem training programme from 19 to 23 August at the Melkbos Cultural Facility. Participants were selected after auditions across the province to find youth with the most promising vocal technique, music literacy and presentation skills.

The training sessions are being facilitated by Mr Lungile Jacobs, a renowned musician and composer. He emphasised the importance of the national anthem as a tool for instilling national pride. Mr Jacobs praised the talent of participants, their teamwork, and the way they are effectively communicating with one another, even though they speak different languages. “This training programme is intended to create awareness of the importance of learning the national anthem, singing it correctly and become an ambassador for national pride in your community.”

Victor Post from Beaufort West said “the national anthem is more than just an anthem. It’s an important part of our cultural and musical heritage. There’s actually a story to it when you study the words, and that makes us proud to be South Africans. The training programme is making it possible for me to go back to my community and educate people about our anthem, encourage them to sing it correctly, and use this platform to further my music career.”

William Masemola of DCAS Arts and Culture added the national anthem programme is supporting social inclusion and building patriotism among people in communities. DCAS is working better together with its partners to educate people about our cultural and musical heritage through teaching them to sing the national anthem.

Media Enquiries: 

Tania Colyn
Acting Head of Communication Service
Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport
Tel: 021 483 9877
E-mail: tania.colyn@westerncape.gov.za

or

Daniel Johnson
Spokesperson for the Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport
Tel: 021 483 3261
E-mail: daniel.johnson@westerncape.gov.za