I am proudly South African, yes I can be a true South African if I am white. No we don't have lions roaming the streets,( although there have been a few incidents). No, we are not all racists.

You know the truth is, South Africa today is filled with so much diversity and culture that it would blow your mind. We have 11 official languages, and most South Africans can speak and understand more two or more of them.

We have people from all over the world here, who have become full blooded South Africans. That’s what we do here, we accept cultures and ethnicities from all over.

We are a friendly country with such a rich heritage and we don't mind sharing.

We will invite you into our homes for a proper South African Braai (Barbecue, but not with gas barbecues etc. We do it proper fire style). We will make you feel welcome, and we will treat you as family.

Our Summers are long and hot, with beautiful evenings filled with a billion stars.

Winters in the Cape are cold and rainy, but most of the days are clear skies and chirping birds.

And South Africa is home to the Big Five, African Lion, African Elephant, Cape Buffalo, African Leopard, and Rhinoceros.

Yes our government has lots of faults, and we are seen as a third-world country, but see us come together as we sing our National Anthem which is made up out of 5 of our most spoken official languages. (Xhosa, Zulu, Sesotho, Afrikaans and English)

Nkosi sikelel' Afrika Maluphakanyisw' uphondo lwayo, Yizwa imithandazo yethu, Nkosi sikelela, thina lusapho lwayo.

(Xhosa and Zulu)

Morena boloka setjhaba sa heso,

O fedise dintwa le matshwenyeho,

O se boloke, O se boloke setjhaba sa heso,

Setjhaba sa South Afrika - South Afrika. (Sesotho)

Uit die blou van onse hemel,

Uit die diepte van ons see,

Oor ons ewige gebergtes,

Waar die kranse antwoord gee,

(Afrikaans)

Sounds the call to come together,

And united we shall stand,

Let us live and strive for freedom,

In South Africa our land.

(English)

English translation of Xhosa and Zulu version

Lord bless Africa

May her glory be lifted high

Hear our petitions

Lord bless us, your children

English translation of Sesotho version

Lord we ask You to protect our nation

Intervene and end all conflicts

Protect us, protect our nation

Protect South Africa, South Africa

English translation of Afrikaans version

Out of the blue of our heavens

Out of the depths of our seas

Over our everlasting mountains

Where the echoing crags resound

Marius Filip wrote:

"It is a unique achievement how the leadership of South Africa managed to keep the nation together during and after the transition from apartheid. While the South-African society still has many problems stemming from the past, this nation is an example for the whole world on how even the deepest wounds can find their healing in basic humanity and compassion. Wonderful hymn, it reflects the Rainbow Nation very well."

Do yourself a favor and listen to our anthem. It will make you feel as a non South African, proud to be South African.

http://youtu.be/TdG7pEgzV5Q