SHOCKING: EFF Supporters Fall Silent During the English and Afrikaans Verses of South Africa’s National Anthem as Julius Malema Addresses the Party’s 13th Anniversary Rally Before Thousands of Supporters at Thohoyandou Stadium in Limpopo The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) held their 13th Anniversary Rally and launched their 2026 Local Government Elections Manifesto at Thohoyandou Stadium […]

SHOCKING: EFF Supporters Fall Silent During the English and Afrikaans Verses of South Africa’s National Anthem as Julius Malema Addresses the Party’s 13th Anniversary Rally Before Thousands of Supporters at Thohoyandou Stadium in Limpopo

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) held their 13th Anniversary Rally and launched their 2026 Local Government Elections Manifesto at Thohoyandou Stadium in Limpopo, where thousands of supporters gathered to hear party leader Julius Malema deliver his address.

Before the speeches began, South Africa’s national anthem, Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika, was played. Videos circulating on social media appear to show many supporters remaining silent during the English verse (“Sounds the call to come together”) and the Afrikaans verse (“Uit die blou van onse hemel”), before joining in for the other parts of the anthem. The videos have since sparked widespread discussion online.

Some South Africans criticised the moment, saying the national anthem should be sung in full as a symbol of national unity and respect. Others defended the supporters, arguing that people have the right to choose which parts they sing.

The rally focused on the EFF’s 13-year anniversary, the launch of its 2026 local government election manifesto, and the party’s vision for South Africa ahead of the upcoming elections.

What are your thoughts? Should South Africans sing every verse of the national anthem, including the English and Afrikaans verses, or should it be a personal choice?