Keabetswe “KB” Motsilanyane’s captivating rendition of the South African national anthem at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday has left an indelible mark on rugby fans and the nation as a whole.
The talented actress and songstress, known for her soulful voice and hits like “O a lla,” delivered a powerful and emotive performance that set the stage for the Springboks’ impressive 27-20 victory over Ireland.
Motsilanyane’s rich, resonating voice carried the weight of national pride as she led the crowd through the opening verses of “Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika.” But it was the artist’s decision to pause and allow the audience to take over the final verse that truly made the moment special. The collective voices of the 50,000 supporters rose in unison, creating a spine-tingling display of unity and patriotism that reverberated through social media and beyond.Fans in attendance were visibly moved, with many expressing their awe and gratitude on social media. One supporter, Sharon-lee Johnson, described the experience as “the most awesome moment in the history of our national anthem,” while Nicci Hattingh shared the emotional impact of “standing in that stadium and singing the national anthem with the 50,000 supporters.” Another fan, Bruce Nozaic, lauded Motsilanyane’s “magnificent effort and humility” in allowing the crowd to take the lead.
The significance of the moment was not lost on the Springboks either, with captain Siya Kolisi expressing his gratitude to the fans for their unwavering support. “This is very special,” he said. “We are back home playing for the first time after the World Cup in front of South Africa. It’s beautiful. We just want to say thank you to everyone who came out today.”
Keabetswe Motsilanyane’s stirring performance has left a lasting impression on the nation, with calls for her to lend her voice to the national anthem at future Springboks matches. The singer herself has been left “speechless” by the outpouring of praise and support, but her remarkable contribution to this momentous occasion will undoubtedly be remembered as a truly iconic moment in South African sporting