Show respect for National Anthem

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Pretoria - South Africans are urged to stand to attention when the National Anthem is sung to show respect.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Government Spokesperson Themba Maseko called on the nation to stand to attention, with their hands placed at their sides while singing the National Anthem.

"This guideline applies indefinitely. Government issues this appeal now to ensure that 2010 Football World Cup stadium audiences show the necessary respect for the South African anthem and those of participating countries," said Maseko.

This measure was confirmed at the Inter-Ministerial Committee meeting on Friday.

Government urges audiences not to move around, hold conversations or blow vuvuzelas during the performance of the anthem.

"Respect for the anthem is part of the total experience of the 2010 FIFA World Cup," said Maseko.

Kick-off of the first World Cup on African soil is on Friday afternoon when Bafana-Bafana goes head to head with Mexico.