‘Freedom songs’ played an important part in South African anti-apartheid struggle. The use of songs and collective singing into the anti-apartheid struggle built on the wider social role of song in Black South African culture. Songs are sung to mark births, weddings, and other social gatherings, but also in the workplace. Songs still play a significant role in South African political cultures. They are sung at the start and end of political meetings, as well as during demonstrations and protests. Songs communicate shared social and political problems and a commitment to change in ways that political speeches and articles do not.