Mapungubwe
Rise once more
Up from the south Limpopo shore
Let now your ancient tale be told
Of those who built the Place of Gold
Mapungubwe
On the hill
Your royal graves whisper us still
Of treasures lost and fortunes made
Before your kingdom’s star did fade
Mapungubwe
We can trace
A thousand year old trading base
Exchanging gold and ivory
For spices, silks and rainbow beads
Mapungubwe
Let us sing
The praises of your gilded king
Whose golden rhino, staff and bowl
Your riches to this day extol
Mapungubwe
Formed to be
A civilised society
And guided by a higher fate
Gave birth to this first nation state
Mapungubwe
We proclaim
The untold glories of your name
And to this day your lofty brand
Bestows top honours in this land
Mapungubwe
See it’s true
That from your seed a great tree grew
With sturdy roots and fruits sublime
And branches across space and time
— Wayne Visser