Bophuthatswana
"Lefatshe leno la bo-rrarona" (This Land of Our Forefathers)

Words by: J.M. Ntsime
Music by: E.B. Mathibe and J.J. Loots
In use: 1977-1994

Bophuthatswana was one of several "homelands" or "Bantustans" set up by the South African government as part of the policy of apartheid. Bophuthatswana was one that declared independence (but was not internationally recognized) and national symbols were adopted upon the declaration. The lyrics were composed by a former music inspector in the South African government, the composer of the lyrics later went on to be Secretary of Education in the Bophuthatswana government. Bophuthatswana ceased to exist in 1994 when South Africa had free, multi-party, multi-racial elections, and was re-incorporated into South Africa

Special thanks to: Ben Cahoon for informing me of this anthem and Pawel Ciupak for the MIDI.

See also: South Africa (1936-1994).