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24 May 1995
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on
the interim national anthem of the Republic of South Africa.
I would like
to bring the following facts to your notice:
(1) The part of the interim
anthem which contains "Nkosi sikelel' iAfrika" is a prayer to "Nkosi." Although
the sincerity of the composer
of this prayer is unquestionable, there are
believers on the Messiah of Israel who believe that the name ''Nkosi" does not
refer
to the Mighty One of Israel and who therefore do not see their way clear
to pray or worship in this name.
(2) Many believers on the Messiah
believe that it is wrong to participate in prayer or worship together with
believers of other faiths
or with believers of syncretistic
faiths.
(3) In order to circumvent the above problems, it will be
necessary that all reference to any deity whatsoever be removed from the
new
anthem, and that it not be a prayer to, invocation of or worship of any deity
whatsoever.
(4) Failing this, I request that all who have religious
scruples about participating in the proposed anthem be granted exemption from
participation. In view of the fact that the proposed Constitution guarantees
religious freedom, this should pose no problem.
(5) It would be
appreciated if the Constitutional Assembly would acknowledge receipt of these
comments and requests.
E. S. Clark
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