Stem, noun
/stem/
- Origin:
- AfrikaansShow more Afrikaans, ‘voice’, elliptical for Die Stem van Suid-Afrika ‘The Voice of South Africa,’ the name of a patriotic song written in Afrikaans by C.J. Langenhoven and set to music by M.L. de Villiers.
Die Stem/di -/, the Stem: From 1938 to 1960, one of two official national anthems, with ‘God save the King (or Queen)’; from 1961, the sole official national anthem; from 1994, one of two national anthems, with Nkosi Sikelel’ (iAfrika).
[1934 A.J. Barnouw Lang. & Race Problems 57By Die Stem van Suid-Afrika he (sc. Langenhoven) will remain alive to later generations, for..his voice has become the voice of his people.]
1991 F. Keating in Guardian Weekly 9 Oct. 31The appalling double-cross of the ANC when the hated anthem Die Stem was played in the ‘comeback’ Test at Ellis Park.
Die Stem/di -/, the Stem:From 1938 to 1960, one of two official national anthems, with ‘God save the King (or Queen)’; from 1961, the sole official national anthem; from 1994, one of two national anthems, with Nkosi Sikelel’ (iAfrika).