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Government has called on all schools, churches, community choirs and individuals to learn and practice the African Union (AU) anthem.

“We urge South African institutions and companies to begin flying the AU flag together with the South African flag,” said President Jacob Zuma.

He said this forms part of celebrating and reclaiming the African identity of our country and people.  

President Zuma was speaking at the Africa Day celebrations in Pretoria recently.

The AU is a union consisting of 54 countries in Africa. The only African state that is not a member is Morocco. The AU was established on 26 May 2001 in Addis Ababa and launched on 9 July 2002 in South Africa, with the aim of replacing the Organisation of African Unity (OAU).

One of the main objectives of the AU is to promote unity and solidarity among Africans.

The President encouraged South Africans to learn more about the AU and the continent.

“As South Africans we are proud of our African identity. We are proud to be part of a continent that is growing, that has a bright future.”

Here are the words of the anthem: 

AU Anthem:

Let us all unite and celebrate together
The victories won for our liberation
Let us dedicate ourselves to rise together
To defend our liberty and unity
O Sons and Daughters of Africa
Flesh of the Sun and Flesh of the Sky
Let us make Africa the Tree of Life
Let us all unite and sing together

To uphold the bonds that frame our destiny
Let us dedicate ourselves to fight together
For lasting peace and justice on earth
O Sons and Daughters of Africa
Flesh of the Sun and Flesh of the Sky
Let us make Africa the Tree of Life
Let us all unite and toil together

To give the best we have to Africa
The cradle of mankind and fount of culture
Our pride and hope at break of dawn
O Sons and Daughters of Africa Flesh of the Sun and Flesh of the Sky
Let us make Africa the Tree of Life.