Reintroduce 'Yehla Moya Oyingcwele' in our Anthem

142

Let’s get to 200 signatures!
Petitions with 1,000+ supporters are 5x more likely to win!

The Issue

In 1996, South Africa made the profound decision to alter our National Anthem, omitting the line "YEHLA MOYA OYINGCWELE," which translates to "COME DOWN HOLY SPIRIT." This line was more than a phrase; it was a plea, a blessing, a call for humility, guidance, and divine intervention. It symbolized our collective acknowledgment of a higher power—an embodiment of hope and spiritual grounding. Since its removal, I've felt, along with many of my fellow citizens, that we've subtly moved away from inviting the Spirit into our national consciousness.

The removal of these words coincides with a period marked by increasing violence, moral decay, and societal unrest. In the last decade alone, South Africa has seen a disturbing rise in crime rates, with people becoming increasingly indifferent to the sanctity of human life. Corruption has seeped into the very roots of our institutions, leading to the deterioration of our infrastructure and eroding trust within our communities.

Statistics from the South African Police Service indicate an alarming increase in violent crimes, with murders having risen by nearly 5% year-on-year in recent times. Instances of corruption have been crippling, with high-profile cases surfacing frequently, shaking our faith in governance and justice.

Reintroducing "YEHLA MOYA OYINGCWELE" is not merely about restoring a line; it's about rekindling a national spirit of unity and reverence. A simple act of adding these words back to our Anthem could serve as a reminder of our commitment to transcendence, to moral uprightness, and collective well-being. Furthermore, it would reaffirm our reliance on divine guidance in steering the nation towards peace and prosperity.

By signing this petition, you urge those in power to reconsider this symbolic and spiritually potent act. Let us bring back a call for the Holy Spirit to descend upon our land, to guide us in this modern era where we desperately need divine intervention and benevolence. Let us unite in this noble endeavour for a brighter, more harmonious future for all South Africans.

Please sign the petition to urge the authorities to reintegrate "YEHLA MOYA OYINGCWELE" into South Africa’s National Anthem and let us welcome the Holy Spirit back into the heart of our nation.

avatar of the starter
Adv. Vuyokazi NontsoPetition StarterI am a Preacher of the Word and woman of prayer. I detest injustice and abuse of people.

The Decision Makers

Honourable Gayton MacKenzie
Honourable Gayton MacKenzie
Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture

Petition Updates

Share this petition

Petition created on 16 September 2026