Nkosi Sikeleli Africa

When Madiba Nelson Mandela came to the European Parliament just a short while after his release from Robben Island, I happened to be part of the large team of interpreters working in the plenary meeting. I have always cherished that experience. The first year after South Africa had joined the ACP the meeting took place in Cape Town. And this is about the opening session...

Sikeleli Africa

At the first notes

just two white people jumped up

one with his left fist in the air

she with her hand on

her heart

All peoples standing

the light skinned

rose

a few notes later –

The huge hall filled with

respect

I like to think

the white people were

slow

not recognizing the music in their

soul

or just older and stiffer and

slower

I like to think

Nkosi Sikeleli Africa

is the hope that touches us

all -