About 100 Numsa members, refused to sing South Africa's national anthem in front of President Kgalema Motlanthe on Saturday.The incident occurred at the National Union of Metalworkers' of South Africa jobs conference in Midrand, where Motlanthe spoke.
Second deputy general of Numsa Christine Olivier urged members to sing the anthem on arrival of the President.
Instead, members -- clad in red T-shirts -- chose to quarrel, be rowdy and clap vigorously to union songs.
When Motlanthe arrived, Olivier once again asked members to sing the national anthem.
All members rose and sang only Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika, omitting the Afrikaans and English sections added to transform it into the national anthem.
It was only after Motlanthe was seated, and Olivier for the third time asked members to sing the full version of the anthem that they complied.
After the full anthem was completed, proceedings continued.
Source : Sapa /sg/yj/clh
Date : 14 Mar 2009 14:33
