From ‘World in Union’ to ‘They Don’t Know What We Know’: South Africa’s new rugby anthem
Anslin Gysman
Image: Supplied
Nearly three decades after the iconic rugby anthem World in Union stirred pride in stadiums across the country, South Africa may once again have a song capable of sending goosebumps through fans before kickoff.
This time, the voice behind it belongs to the talented singer Anslin Gysman, whose powerful performance on the new Springbok rugby anthem They Don’t Know What We Know is already beginning to capture attention.
The title is a direct translation of the proudly South African phrase “Hulle weet nie wat ons weet nie” a phrase that perfectly captures the quiet confidence and belief that often surrounds the South Africa national rugby union team and its passionate supporters.
But the story behind the anthem is almost as remarkable as the song itself.
According to Gysman, the track was originally created through artificial intelligence after being conceptualised by a South African living in New Zealand known as Skiwi.
“He prompted AI and it generated a product,” Gysman explained. “It was released and South African Rugby Union decided that it needed a human voice.”
That decision led to a life-changing phone call.
“I received a call from SA Rugby inviting me to an audition for the song. They shared the link to the AI version and I fell in love with it immediately,” he said.
Walking into the audition, however, he had no idea what the outcome would be.
“I didn’t even curate an expectation that I’d get the job considering all the incredible people who were invited to audition.”
The process itself was simple but intense.
“You received the song and you went into the recording booth, they pressed record and I had to sing for my life,” he laughed. “But I also remember feeling very comfortable because I love recording studios. I love spaces where I can create.”
Somewhere between the microphone, the lyrics and the moment, emotion took over.
“I cried real tears because it was as if I could sense the healing and restorative properties of this song for South Africa,” he said. “I haven’t felt this warm on the inside in a long time.”
A few days later, the phone rang again this time with the news that he had landed the role.
Even hearing the final version for the first time proved overwhelming.
“I sobbed immediately,” he admitted. “The fact that I couldn’t share the news with anyone was so difficult because I wanted people close to me to share in the joy with me. But when I finally heard the finished product, I was in disbelief. I still can’t believe I did that that God did that.”
For Gysman, the moment feels even more surreal considering where his journey began.
He grew up in Philippi in a community known as Mission Station, often referred to as Klipfontein, where music first found him in church.
“That’s where my love for singing was discovered and cultivated from a young age,” he said. “I sang in the church worship team and choir.”
Back then, the idea that his voice might one day echo through stadiums or be tied to a national rugby anthem felt unimaginable.
“I knew God would reward hard work, dedication and faithfulness,” he reflected, “but this was not even in my wildest dreams.”
And yet, the song now carries a message he hopes South Africans will feel deeply when they hear it before a big match.
“The song is a beacon of hope a heart’s posture and a bold declaration for us as a country,” he said.
“It embodies hope, resilience, passion, devotion, pride and ultimately what it means to belong. I want people to embrace that sense of belonging and Africanism that it exudes.”
Reflecting on the milestone,Gysman also had a message for young South Africans who may be chasing their own dreams but questioning whether they will ever arrive.
“Elevation does not mean that your foundation dissolves. It’s simply an indication of growth,” he said.
“Not forgetting where you come from reminds those left behind and those who can relate that it is possible.
“The reward for your labour isn’t overnight. Doors will close and you will lose out on opportunities. But nothing that is meant for you will miss you. It will locate you when the time is right.”
And if the emotion in Gysman's voice is anything to go by, South Africans may soon find themselves singing along to a new rugby anthem one that reminds the world exactly what we know.