Nelson Mandela's former assistant Zelda La Grange has written an open letter to Afrikaans singer Steve Hofmeyr over his decision to sing South Africa's old national anthem, Die Stem, at the recently held Innibos (In the Bush) arts festival in Nelspruit.

In the open letter, published on the Beeld website, La Grange starts off by conceding that it is Hofmeyr's right to sing Die Stem if he so chooses, but puts it to him that he could use his influence as a popular Afrikaans artist more positively.

Writes La Grange: "So while I think that it is your fullest constitutional right to sing Die Stem at the gathering, I feel that you precisely have this platform to try and influence things in a positive manner rather than using our language and culture in a way that leads to segregation.

"I respect your right to do what you want, but I would fail at my duty if I don't also respectfully share my thoughts with you."

La Grange, who was Madiba's trusted personal assistant for 19 years, goes on to quiz Hofmeyr about what exactly he has done to further nation building in his country.

"A person can't shake someone's hand with a clenched fist," she writes.

"If you say that nation building has failed, doesn't that mean that two parties failed? Both sides have failed and I therefore ask what you have ever done to establish of further nation building? Do you feel that singing Die Stem Saturday night strengthened nation building?"

La Grange in conclusion rhetorically asks where the Steve Hofmeyrs are who represent the other six official SA languages that aren't accommodated in the national anthem, and where we will end up if all of them employ the same reasoning as he does.

"Why do you feel so personally hard done by that you have to do everything that you tackle with dissatisfaction, defiance, and to make a point that isn't completely true?" she asks.

"We Afrikaners are not the only people in South Africa with fears. Like Madiba said: It is easier to change other people than it is to change yourself. Maybe we should all start with ourselves then, if we are so passionate about the future of our country. I firmly believe that that process starts with a decision for optimism."

Zelda La Grange released a memoir entitled Good Morning, Mr Mandela in June.