Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

Summary

This extract has been taken from the autobiography of Nelson Mandela, ‘Long Walk to Freedom’.
In this small passage, Mandela speaks about a historic occasion, “the inauguration.”
It was 10th May when a huge gathering of international leaders had assembled in Pretoria to mark
the end of white supremacy. It was the pleasant installation of first democratic non-racial
government of South Africa.
Mr de Klerk and Mr Thabo Mbeki were sworn is as second and first deputy presidents respectively.
After that Nelson Mandela pledged to obey the Constitution. He dedicated himself to the well-being
of his people.
The swearing ceremony was followed by a spectacular show by jets, defence and police force. In
the end-V- shaped Impala jets left a smoke trail of the black, red, green, blue and gold of the new
South Africa flag.
On this occasion, Mandela recalls how a system of racial domination was created against the dark-
skinned people in their own land. He calls it the most inhumane system. He is glad to overturn the
system.
He promised for a system where the recognition would be given to the rights and freedom of all
people regardless of the colour of their skin. He remembers all the leaders who sacrificed their
lives to end the era of oppression. He regrets that they are not alive to see what their sacrifice had
achieved.
He writes that the era of oppression and brutality created a deep and lasting wound in his country
but at the same time this era created men of extraordinary courage and wisdom. Such people are
the greatest wealth of the country.
He thanked those heroes who taught him that courage was not the absence of fear, but the
triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.
No one is born to hate others. If we can learn to hate, we can learn to love.also. This is what we
should do. We should learn to love.
Mandela talks about twin obligations – an obligation to his family, to his parents, to his wife and
children; and he has an obligation to his people, his community, his country. He emphasises that in
a civil society each one of us should fulfil these two obligations.
He regrets that during the era of oppression no one in South Africa could fulfil, these obligations.
But now he promises that each one of the citizens would get an environment where he would fulfil
the twin obligations. He desired for the freedom of his people to live with dignity, self-respect and
without any fear.

Main Points of the Story

1. The inauguration ceremony of the first non-racial government was held in the
Union Buildings in Pretoria.
2. Politicians and dignitaries from more than 140 countries attended the ceremony.
3. Nelson Mandela was then sworn-in as the President of the Republic of South
Africa.
4. For decades South Africa had been the seat for white supremacy.
5. The blacks were considered as outlaws.
6. Their victory over ‘apartheid’ was a common victory for justice, peace and
freedom.
7. Nelson Mandela was overwhelmed with a sense of history.
8. The society based on racial discrimination was the harshest and most inhuman
society in the world.
9. The decades of oppression and exploitation of the blacks produced heroes like
Tambo’s, Sisulu and others in South Africa.
10. Mandela learned the meaning of courage from such brave comrades who were
ready to sacrifice their lives for the freedom of their people.

11. Every man has twin responsibilities —responsibilities towards his family and for
his people and country.

12. If any black tried to live like a free human being, he was punished and isolated
from his family and community.

13. Mandela realised that not only he but his brothers and sisters were deprived of
freedom.

14. His desire for the freedom and dignity of his people made him a rebel.

15. He realised that freedom is indivisible.

New Words

dawned- (of a day) began

Pleasantly- giving a sense of happy satisfaction or enjoyment; satisfying
Besieged- to be surrounded by
Dignitaries- a person considered to be important because of high rank or office.
Sandstone- sedimentary rock consisting of sand or quartz grains cemented together,
typically red, yellow, or brown in colour.
Amphitheatre- an open - air theatre
Supremacy- the state or condition of being superior to all others in authority, power, or
status
Deputy- Second in command
Sworn- given under oath; determined to stay in the role specified
Pledged- committed (a person or organization) by a solemn promise.
Assembled- (of people) gather together in one place for a common purpose
Confer- grant
Glory- honour
Outlaws- because of its policy of apartheid, many countries had earlier broken off diplomatic
relations with South Africa
On our own soil- in our own country
Possession- ownership
Dignity- the state or quality of being worthy of respect.
Emancipation- the fact or process of being set free from legal, social, or political restrictions
Liberate- free; release
Bondage- the state of being a slave
Discrimination- being treated differently or unfavourably
Deprivation- the damaging lack of material benefits considered to be basic necessities in a
society
Oppression- prolonged cruel or unjust treatment or exercise of authority.
Glorious- having, worthy of, or bringing fame or admiration.
Reign- rule; govern
Awe- amazed
Spectacular- beautiful in a dramatic and an eye-catching way
Array- an impressive display
Troop- soldiers or armed forces
Precision- accuracy
Bedecked- decorate
Unmindful- not conscious or aware
Chevron- a pattern in the shape of a V
Trail- series; chain
Symbolised- be a symbol of
Lyrics- the words of a song
Despised- hated, had a very low opinion of
Overwhelmed- have a strong emotional effect
Erected- build; construct
Racial domination- when people of one race have power over another race
Inhumane-cruel, brutal
Overturned- reverse.
Unimaginable- difficult or impossible to imagine
Patriots- a person who vigorously supports their country and is prepared to defend it against
enemies
Apartheid- a policy or system of segregation on grounds of race
Profound- very great or intense
Unintended- not planned or meant
Comrades- a colleague or a fellow member of an organisation
Resilience- the ability to deal with any kind of hardship and recover from its effects
Defies- refuse to obey
Triumph- great victory or achievement
Grimmest- very serious or gloomy
Glimmer- shine faintly with a wavering light
Pushed to our limits- pushed to the last point in our ability to bear pain
Reassure- say or do something to remove the doubts
Obligations- a duty or a commitment
Civil- courteous and polite
Inclination- natural tendencies of behaviour
Inevitably- unavoidably
Twilight- half-light, semi-darkness
Secrecy- the action of keeping something secret
Rebellion- the action or process of resisting authority, convention or control
Stream- a small, narrow river
Mealies- a maize plant
Abided- obeyed
Boyhood- the state or time of being a boy
Illusion- a false idea or belief
Transitory- not permanent
Yearned- have an intense feeling or longing for something
Curtailed- reduce; impose a restriction on
Dignity- the state or quality of being worthy of honour or respect
Frightened- afraid or anxious
Monk- a member of a religious community of men typically living under vows of poverty,
chastity, and obedience
Virtuous- having or showing high moral standards
Indivisible- unable to be divided or separated
Prejudice- a strong dislike without any good reason

MCQs

Q1- When was the inauguration day?

A) 10 May
B) 10 March
C) 20 May
D) 20 March
Q2- It was a celebration of South Africa's first ______ government.
A) autocratic, racial
B) democratic, non-racial
C) democratic, racial
D) monarch, non-racial
Q3- How many deputy presidents were elected?
A) two
B) three
C) one
D) none
Q4- Why did other countries broke off diplomatic relations wih South Africa?
A) White rulers
B) Other countries are racial
C) It is a poor country
D) Apartheid policy
Q5- What change brought international leaders to South Africa?
A) End of Apartheid
B) humanity
C) peace
D) trade negotiations
Q6- "We thank all of our distinguished international guests for having come to
take possession with the people of our country of what is, after all, a common
victory for ____."
A) justice
B) peace
C) human dignity
D) all of the above

Q7- What was it that the nation needed to be liberated from?

A) poverty
B) gender discrimination
C) deprivation
D) all of the above
Q8- "We have achieved our political emancipation." What is the meaning of
emancipation?
A) freedom from restriction
B) enslavement
C) slavery
D) both 2 and 3
Q9- The spectacular array of South African jets was a display of -
A)military's precision
B) military's loyalty to democracy
D) both 1 and 2
C) none of the above
Q10- What colours does the new South African flag possess?
A) black, red, green, blue and gold
B) black, red, yellow, blue and gold
C) orange, black, yellow, blue and silver
D) black, blue, violet, saffron and green
Q11- "The structure they created formed the basis of one of the harshest, most
inhumane, societies the world has ever known." What structure is Mandela
talking about?
A) Racial domination against the black skinned
B) Poverty and suffering
C) Discrimination against the poor
D) oppression of women
Q12- Whom did Mandela wanted to thank but couldn't?
A) his family
B) white rulers
C) African patriots who no longer existed
D) Military

Q14- According to Mandela, what is the greatest wealth of a nation?

A) minerals
B) gems
C) diamonds
D) people
Q15- What did Mandela learn about courage?
A) it is absence of fear
B) it is the triumph over fear
C) both 1 and 2
D) none of the above
Q16- What are a man's obligations in life?
A) Obligation to people
B) Obligation to family
C) Obligation to God
D) Both 1 and 2
Q17- Why were two National Anthems sung?
A) to imply unity
B) to mark the end of racial discrimination
C) to mark the end of gender discrimination
D) Both 1 and 2
Q18- What comes more naturally to heart according to Mandela?
A) hatred
B) unity
C) love
D) racial discrimination
Q19- What realisations did Mandela have of his boyhood freedom?
A) it is just an illusion
B) he was born free
C) freedom was meant for kids
D) he had no realisations
Q20- What began Mandela's hunger for freedom?
A) the fact that it had already been taken away from him
B) his obligation towards people
C) his obligation towards family
D) he was born to fight
Q21- Which party did Mandela join?
A) Indian National Congress
B) African National Congress
C) National African Party
D) he did not join any party
Q22- A man who takes away another man's freedom is _____
A) White
B) a prisoner of hatred
C) criminal
D) rude
Q23- Who, according to Mandela is not free?
A) oppressor
B) oppressed
C) both 1 and 2
D) none of the above
Q24- How did Mandela's hunger for freedom change his life?
A) turned from frightened to bold
B) turned from law-abiding attorney to a criminal
C) turned a life-loving man to live like a monk
C) all of the above
Q25- What does depths of oppression create?
A) oppressed
B) heights of character
C) poverty
D) lack of freedom
1 A 11 A 21 B

2 B 12 C 22 B

3 A 13 A 23 C

4 D 14 D 24 D

5 A 15 B 25 B

6 D 16 D 26

7 D 17 D 27

8 A 18 C 28

9 C 19 A 29

10 A 20 A 30

1. Where did the ceremonies take place? Can you name any public buildings in India
that are made of sandstone?
A. The ceremonies took place in an amphitheatre which was formed by Union Buildings in
Pretoria. In India, we have many public buildings made of sandstone, some of which are
Rashtrapati Bhavan, Red Fort and the Supreme Court of India in New Delhi.
2. Can you say how 10 May is an ‘autumn day’ in South Africa?
A. Since South Africa lies in the Southern Hemisphere, we can say that May falls in the
autumn season.

3. At the beginning of his speech, Mandela mentions “an extraordinary human

disaster”. What does he mean by this? What is the “glorious … human
achievement” he speaks of at the end?
A. By “an extraordinary human disaster”, Mandela is referring to the apartheid system that
was prevalent in South Africa under the previous leadership. People of colour were treated
unfairly and no human being deserves that. He stood against the unjust practices and
finally won the democratic elections to become the first black President of South Africa. He
refers to this win as “glorious human achievement”.

4. What does Mandela thank the international leaders for?

A. The author thanked the international leaders for joining and supporting them in their
victory of freedom, justice and human dignity. Earlier, many nations had cut ties with South
Africa because of their practice of apartheid.

5. What ideals does he set out for the future of South Africa?
A. As the newly elected President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela wanted to liberate the
country of all the unjust practices. He set out ideals for a country which was free of poverty,
discrimination and injustice.

6. What do the military generals do? How has their attitude changed, and why?
A. The military generals saluted Nelson Mandela and promised their support to the newly
formed democratic government of South Africa. Their attitude has changed because earlier
they were under the ruke of the white supremacy. During that rule, they would have
arrested Mandela as he was considered to be a criminal. Now, with the abolition of
Apartheid and the formation of a democratic government, their attitude has also changed.

7. Why were two national anthems sung?

A. The two national anthems, one of the Blacks and other of the Whites were sung
symbolising equality and respect for the entire community irrespective of their colour.

8. How does Mandela describe the systems of government in his country

(i) In the first decade, and
(ii) In the final decade, of the twentieth century?
A. (i) In the first decade of the twentieth century, white supremacy created a system of
racial domination and made life a living hell for the dark-skinned people. Mandela referred
it as one of the “harshest, inhumane societies” of the world.
(ii) In the final decade of the twentieth century, the system of apartheid has been changed
into one that recognises all humans as equal regardless of their colour, race or gender.

9. What does courage mean to Mandela?

A. To Mandela, “courage” does not mean the absence of fear, but the victory over it. A man
who is courageous is the one who has overcome his fear to fight all the odds.

10. Which does he think is natural, to love or to hate?

A. He believes love comes more naturally to humans as opposed to hate. No one is born
with hatred in his heart for another.

11. What “twin obligations” does Mandela mention?

A. According to Mandela, every person has “twin obligations”, one towards his family and
the other, towards his society.
12. What did being free mean to Mandela as a boy, and as a student? How does he
contrast these “transitory freedoms” with “the basic and honourable freedoms”?
A. As a young boy, and a student, Mandela’s idea of freedom was to be able to stay out at
night, read whatever he desired and go wherever he chose. On growing up as a man, he
realised that these were “transitory freedoms” he was looking for because their “basic and
honourable freedoms” had been taken away. There was no liberty to have a peaceful
marriage, family and life. Dark-skinned people were deprived of their fundamental human
rights. For them, freedom was an “illusion”.

13. Does Mandela think the oppressor is free? Why/Why not?

A. According to Mandela, the oppressor is as much a prisoner as the oppressed. As soon
as the former robs the oppressed of their freedom he, himself gets robbed of his humanity.
Thus, he thinks that the oppressor too, is not free.

14. Why did such a large number of international leaders attend the inauguration?
What did it signify the triumph of?
A. At the inauguration ceremony, there were a large number of international leaders to
celebrate the end of apartheid system and to display their support for South Africa. It
signified the triumph of justice over prejudice, courage over fear and right over wrong.

15. What does Mandela mean when he says he is “simply the sum of all those
African patriots” who had gone before him?
A. Mandela wanted to thank the generations before him who had fought for justice. He
gathered his courage from these brave heroes and it is because of that, he fought
fearlessly for what is right. Thus, he referred to himself as “simply the sum of all those
African patriots” that had gone before him.

16. Would you agree that the “depths of oppression” create “heights of character”?
How does Mandela illustrate this? Can you add your own examples to this
argument?
A. Yes, I agree that “depths of oppression” create “heights of character”. Mandela
illustrated this idea by the example of all those who had emerged as great freedom fighters
after years of oppression and brutality. Though unintended, effect of all this was men with
extraordinary courage and strength. One of the greatest examples is of our own country,
where our people were exploited under British rule for about 200 years. As a result of
oppression of such magnitude, India got freedom fighters like Bhagat Singh and Pt.
Jawaharlal Nehru.

17. How did Mandela’s understanding of freedom change with age and experience?
A. As a young boy, and a student, Mandela’s idea of freedom was to be able to stay out at
night, read whatever he desired and go wherever he chose. On growing up as a man, he
realised that these were “transitory freedoms” he was looking for because their “basic and
honourable freedoms” had been taken away. There was no liberty to have a peaceful
marriage, family and life. Dark-skinned people were deprived of their fundamental human
rights. For them, freedom was an “illusion”.

18. How did Mandela’s ‘hunger for freedom’ change his life?
A. Once Mandela realized his hunger for freedom, his life changed forever. It transformed
him from a family-man to a man of his people and a frightened young man into a bold one.
He built his entire life around fighting for the basic fundamental rights for his community.
He was more selfless and virtuous than ever.

Answer the following questions in 30-40 words:

1. What unintended effect was produced by decades of oppression?

Ans. The decades of oppression made him a strong person. He set out the goal to
liberate the people of South Africa from continuing bondage of poverty, deprivation,
suffering and other discrimination. He decided to have freedom and justice for all.

2. What pained Nelson Mandela on becoming the President of South Africa?

Ans. Nelson Mandela was sad for not able to thank those African patriots who had
fought for independence and sacrificed their lives for it. This pained him that they
were not able to see what their sacrifices had brought.

3. When did Mandela’s hunger for self-turn into a hunger for freedom for all
his people?

Ans. Mandela gradually realized that freedom was curtailed for those people who
looked like he did, but not for the whites. Consequently, he joined the African National
Congress, and that was when his “hunger for freedom” became a “greater hunger.”

4. Why is 10th May 1994 important for South Africa?

Ans. 10th May 1994 is important for South Africa because first democratic non-racial
government elections were held on this day in the country. Nelson Mandela became
the first black president of the country.

5. What ideals does Mandela set out for the future of South Africa in his
speech?

Ans. The ideal Mandela set out for the future of South Africa in his speech was to
liberate the people of South Africa from continuing bondage of poverty, deprivation,
suffering, gender and other discriminations.

6. What did Nelson Mandela pledge when he was sworn in as President?

Ans. Nelson Mandela pledged to uphold the Constitution of his country and devote
him to liberate his people from the bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender
and other discriminations. There would be freedom and justice for all.
7. What did Nelson Mandela remember on the day of the Inaugural
Ceremony?

Ans. He remembered the history — the birth Apartheid, its effect on his people and
long fight for freedom. He remembered the freedom fighters that suffered and
sacrificed for freedom. He also remembered what freedom meant to him at different
stages of life and his hunger for freedom.

8. Why was the 10th of May, 1994 a red letter day in the history of South
Africa?

Ans. 10th of May, 1994 was a red-letter day in the history of South Africa. It was the
day when the hated regime of apartheid came to an end. A new democratically
elected non-racial government under Nelson Mandela was to be sworn in. Many
international leaders and dignities came to pay their respect to the new government.

9. Where did the ceremonies take place? What had it been for decades?

Ans. The ceremonies of the inauguration of the new government took place at the
lovely sandstone amphitheatre in the Union Buildings in Pretoria. The same place had
remained the seat of white supremacy for decades.

10. How was that site a rainbow gathering of different colours and nations?

Ans. The end of the apartheid regime was a common victory for peace, justice and
human dignity. Leaders and dignitaries of all nations irrespective of their colour, race
and religion had gathered there to celebrate that victory. So, the site presented a
rainbow gathering of different colours and nations.

11. Who were the persons sworn in on the 10th of May? What did Mandela
pledge to obey?

Ans. Mr. de Klerk was first sworn in as second Deputy President. Then Thabo Mbeki
was sworn in as first Deputy President. Then, in the end, Mr Nelson Mandela was
sworn in as the President of the Republic of South Africa. He pledged to obey and
uphold the constitution and devote himself to the well being of the Republic and its
people.

12. What was born out of the experience of an extraordinary human

disaster? Why should humanity be proud of it?

Ans. The apartheid regime was an extraordinary human disaster for the blacks of
South Africa. The end of the apartheid laid down the foundation of a non-racial
democratic regime in South Africa. This government based on human equality and
dignity would be an ideal one of which all humanity would be proud.

13. Who was given the rare privilege to be host to the nations of the world
on their own soil?

Ans. Those who were outlaws not so long ago were given the rare privilege. They had
the privilege of hosting and welcoming nations of the world on their soul. The blacks
were no more outlaws now but enjoyed equality and human dignity.

14. After achieving political emancipation what does Mandela want to do in

South Africa?
Ans. South Africa and the blacks have achieved their political emancipation. Mandela
pledges to liberate all his people from the bondage of poverty, want, suffering, gender
and other discriminations. South Africa will never ever experience the oppression of
one by another. He wishes the reign of freedom will never die in South Africa.

15. What did the display of jets and military salute symbolise?

Ans. There was a spectacular show of South African jets and troop carriers over the
Union Buildings. The highest generals of the military and police saluted President
Mandela. It was a clear demonstration of the military’s loyalty to democracy, to a free
and fairly elected government.

16. Why did the same generals salute Mandela who would have arrested him
not so many years ago?

Ans. In the apartheid regime, Nelson Mandela was a rebel and was in prison for many
years. After the end of the apartheid, he was the head of the non-racial democratically
elected government of South Africa. The same generals who would have put him in
prison not so long ago were obliged to salute the president of the new Republic of
South Africa.

17. What did the playing of two national anthems symbolise?

Ans. On the historic day of the inauguration ceremony of the Republic of South Africa,
two national anthems were played. The whites song `Nkosi Sikelel-i-Africa’ and the
black sang ‘Die Stem’. Neither group knew the lyrics of the anthem they once
despised. They would soon know the words by heart.

18. Why was Mandela overwhelmed with a sense of history and what bad
thing happened in the first decade of the 10th century?

Ans. Mandela is overwhelmed with a sense of history and remembers when the hated
apartheid policy was introduced in South Africa. After the Boer war, the white people
of South Africa patched up their differences. They set up a system of racial domination
against the black people of their own race.

19. Why was the apartheid regime in South Africa was one of the harshest
and most inhuman systems in the world?

Ans. The apartheid regime was based on the racial discrimination and exploitation of
blacks in South Africa. The basic or fundamental rights were only for the whites and
the blacks were deprived of these freedoms. Oppression, torture and exploitation of
the blacks were common features of the apartheid regime.

20.Why does Nelson Mandela call himself simply the sum of those African
patriots who had gone before him?

Ans. Nelson Mandela gratefully acknowledges the sacrifices of thousands of his

people who fought against the apartheid regime. Their suffering and courage can
never be cemented or repaid. Mandela humbly believes that he was simply the sum of
all those African patriots who had gone before him.

21. How did the policy of apartheid create a deep and lasting wound in
South African blacks?
Ans. No doubt, the policy of apartheid created a deep and lasting wound in South
Africa and the blacks. It would take many years to recover from that profound hurt.
The racial discrimination unleashed a reign of terror, oppression and brutality on the
blacks of South Africa.

22. How did the policy of apartheid and deep oppression produce patriots of
extraordinary, courage, wisdom and generosity?

Ans. The policy of apartheid unleashed a reign of terror and oppression on the black
people but they could not break their resolution and determination. The deep
oppression produced patriot of extraordinary courage, wisdom and generosity. It
produced thousands of Tambos, Sisulus, Sadoos, Fischer’s and Sobukwes of their time.

Q23. What is the greatest wealth of a country according to Nelson Mandela?

Ans. South Africa is rich in the minerals and gems. But minerals and gems are not the
greatest wealth of a nation. Mandela thinks that the greatest and real wealth of a
nation is its people. They are finer and truer than the purest diamonds.

24. How does Mandela define courage and from where did he learn the
meaning of courage?

Ans. Nelson Mandela learnt the meaning of courage from great patriots and comrades
in the struggle. They risked their lives and stood up to attacks and tortures of the
apartheid regime. He learned that courage was not the absence of fear but the
triumph over it. The brave man is not he who doesn’t feel afraid, but he who conquers
that fear.

25. How can people be taught to love? Which comes naturally to human
heart — love or hate?

Ans. No one is born hating another person because of his colour or race. People are
taught to hate. And if they learn to hate, they can be taught to love. Love comes more
naturally to the human heart than hatred.

26. What are the twin obligations every man has in life?

Ans. Mandela thinks that every man has twin obligations in life. The first is his
obligation to his family, to his parents, to his wife and children. The second duty is his
duty to his people, his community and his country. Each man has to fulfil these two
obligations according to his position and abilities.

27. Why was it impossible for a man of Mandela’s birth and colour to fulfil
the twin obligations?

Ans. In South Africa, no black could fulfil the twin obligations. If a black who tried to
live as a human being was punished and isolated. A person who tried to fulfil his duty
to his people was separated from his family and was forced to live in secrecy and
rebellion.

28. Was Mandela born with a hunger to be free? What did freedom mean to
him in childhood?

Ans. Nelson Mandela was not born with a hunger to be free. In childhood, freedom
has a very limited concept. He felt that he was free to run in the fields, free to swim in
the stream near his village and ride the broad backs of slow-moving bulls. As long as
he obeyed his father and the customs of his life, he was a free man.

29. What were the transitory freedoms that Nelson Mandela yearned for as a
young man? Why did he feel that his boyhood freedom was an illusion?

Ans. Nelson Mandela felt that his boyhood freedom was an illusion. His freedom had
already been taken from him. Then he began to hunger for it. At first, he wished the
transitory freedoms of staying out. Later on, he yearned for basic needs of earning,
marrying and having a family.

30. When and how did Mandela’s hunger for his own freedom become the
greater hunger for the freedom of his people?

Ans. Mandela realised that not only was he not free, but his people were not free.
When he joined the African National Congress, then his hunger for his own freedom
became the greater hunger for the freedom of his people.

31. What, according to Mandela, is ‘true freedom’?

Ans. When Mandela was a boy, freedom for him meant to run freely in the fields and
to swim in the streams. As a young man, he wanted basic and honourable freedoms,
e.g. to earn his living, too many and to have a family. According to Mandela, true
freedom means freedom not to be obstructed in leading a lawful life.

32. What animated Mandela’s life and transformed a frightened young

lawyer into a bold criminal?

Ans. It was the desire for the freedom of his people to live their lives with dignity and
self-respect that animated his life. It transformed a frightened young man into a bold
one. It drove a law-abiding attorney to be a criminal. It turned a family loving husband
to live like a monk.

33. Freedom is “indivisible”, said Mandela. How were the chains on anyone
were the chains on all of his people?

Ans. Mandela thought that he is not more virtuous than the others. He thought that
“freedom is indivisible”. The chains on any one of his people were chains on all of
them. The chains on all of his people were the chains on him.

34. Why did Nelson Mandela feel that both the oppressor and the oppressed
are robbed of their humanity and hence, both of them must be liberated?

Ans. Nelson Mandela rightly believes that both the oppressor and the oppressed are
robbed of their humanity. A man who takes away another’s freedom is a prisoner of
hatred. He is locked behind the bars of prejudice and hate. A person can never be free
if his freedom is taken away. Hence, the oppressed and the oppressor alike are robbed
of their humanity.

Answer the following questions in 100-120 words:

1. Nelson Mandela in his inaugural speech used these two words ‘an
extraordinary human disaster’ and so ‘glorious a human achievement’. What
did he mean by that?

Ans. The extraordinary disaster was the rule of Apartheid in South Africa. This disaster
of racial discrimination brought oppression, deprivation, cruelty and suffering for the
black people of South Africa. Blacks were not allowed to visit the places reserved for
the whites. They led a life of humiliation.

At last on 10 May 1994, after more than three centuries of white rule, Nelson
Mandela’s African National Congress Party won the elections. Nelson Mandela became
the first black President of South Africa. The coming into power of non-racial
government was a glorious human achievement.

2. What were the difficulties faced by Nelson Mandela in achieving freedom

for his people?

Ans. In his endeavour to get freedom for his countrymen from the rule of Apartheid,
Nelson Mandela had to undergo many hardships and suffered a lot. This great patriot
had to sacrifice the comfort of his home and loving family. He was declared an outlaw
for demanding equality for all his fellow black Africans. He was punished, isolated and
put into jail. He and his comrades were oppressed and tortured beyond tolerance. He
suffered hunger, oppression and injustice but kept the flame of independence burning
in his heart. His undaunted courage, persistent struggle and unparallel sacrifice bore
fruit and South Africa got freedom from the rule of Apartheid on 10 May 1994.

3. Give the character-sketch of Nelson Mandela.

Ans. Nelson Mandela is a great patriot. He loves his country and countrymen. For him,
the greatest wealth of South Africa is her people.

He has a sacrificing nature. He sacrificed his life of comfort, family and home and
plunged into the struggle for freedom. He believes in equality for all. He opposed the
rule of Apartheid for which he was declared an outlaw. He was oppressed and tortured
in jail for several years but he never broke. It shows his traits of tolerance, courage
and perseverance.

4. What different concepts of freedom did Mandela have at different stages

of his life?

Or

How did Mandela’s understanding of freedom change with age and

experience?

Ans. Mandela had different concepts of freedom at different stages of life. As a boy,
he had an illusion about freedom. He thought he was born free. As long he obeyed his
elders he had the freedom to run in the fields swim in the stream and ride on the back
of bulls.

As a student he cared for transitory freedom — freedom to stay out at night, read the
books of his choice and go where he liked.
When he became a young man he yearned for basic and honourable freedoms of
achieving his potential, earning his keep, marrying, having a family and living a lawful
life.

Slowly his concept of freedom widened especially when he joined the African National
Congress. He realized that true freedom is not individual freedom but freedom for all.

5. The inauguration ceremony symbolised a common victory for justice, for

peace, for human dignity against the most hated apartheid regime based on
racial discrimination. Comment.

Ans. The inauguration ceremony of the installation of a democratically elected

government in South Africa was of great historical importance. After the Boer war, the
white ‘peoples’, patched up their differences. They imposed the domination of the
whites through the apartheid based on racial discrimination. The inauguration
ceremony attracted worldwide recognition. International leaders and dignitaries from
more than 140 countries assembled at the amphitheatre in the Union Buildings in
Pretoria. The whole world hailed it as a common victory for justice, for peace, for
human dignity. The grand struggle of the black patriots against the most hated regime
of apartheid succeeded. There was a spectacular display of jets and the salute by the
bedecked generals with ribbons to President Mandela. It showed the military’s loyalty
to democracy. The playing of the two national anthems symbolised a new regime
based on equality irrespective of race and colour.

6. Why was Nelson Mandela overwhelmed with a sense of history? Give the
birth and finally the burial of the apartheid regime in South Africa.

Ans. On the day of the inauguration of the Republic, Nelson Mandela was
overwhelmed with a sense of history. It was quite natural for a man who taught
against the hated regime for decades. After the Boer war, the white groups patched
up their differences. They imposed the domination of the whites over the majority
population of South Africa. The birth of the apartheid was the birth of one of the
harshest and inhumane regimes in the world. It was based on racial discrimination and
oppression. Deep oppression and atrocities produced thousands of black patriots who
were ready to sacrifice their lives for the freedom of their fellow men. The determined
struggle of these black heroes ended in their victory. A democratically elected
government headed by President Nelson Mandela was installed on the 10th of May,
1994.

7. The apartheid regime, the whites created in South Africa, was one of the
harshest and most inhumane societies the world has ever known. Elucidate.

Ans. The apartheid regime symbolised oppression, exploitation and an extraordinary

human disaster. The white regime was based on racial discrimination. The blacks in
South Africa were deprived of their rights, equality and human dignity. After the Boer
war, the white groups in South Africa patched up their differences. They imposed a
system of racial discrimination against the black people of their own land. It was one
of the harshest and most inhumane regimes the world has ever known. The policy of
apartheid created a deep and lasting wound in South Africa and its people. Thousands
of black patriots sacrificed their lives fighting for the rights and freedom of their
people. Thousands of Tambos, Sisulus, Dads, Fishers and Sobukwes suffered deep
oppression and tortures but never gave up their cause. Ultimately, their struggles and
sacrifices led the blacks to victory under Nelson Mandela. Their victory was a common
victory of humanity, for peace, for justice and for human dignity.
8. Which twin obligations does Nelson Mandela mention in the lesson? Why
were he and the rest of blacks able to fulfil those obligations?

Ans. Nelson Mandela that every man has twin obligations in life. The first obligation of
a man is to his family, to his parents, to his wife and children. He has another
obligation also. He has an obligation to his people, his community and his country.
Every man is to do his duty according to his situation and strength. But in South
Africa, it was impossible for a man like Mandela or other blacks to fulfil those
obligations. If a man tried to live as a human being, he was punished and isolated. If
any person in South Africa tried to do his duty to his people, he was forcefully
separated from his family and his home. He was forced to lead a life of secrecy and
rebellion. Nelson Mandela placed his people above his family. In attempting to serve
his people, he was prevented from fulfilling his obligations as a son, a brother, a father
and a husband.

9. How was Mandela’s concept of freedom was different in boyhood and

youth than what it was in his mature age? How were ‘transitory freedoms’
changed into his hunger for the freedom of his people?

Ans. Nelson Mandela was not born with a hunger to be free. In his boyhood, he felt
free until he obeyed his father and tribe. The concept of freedom was limited only to
run in fields, swim in the local stream and ride on the slow-moving bulls. When he was
a youth, he realised that his boyhood freedom was an illusion. His freedom had
already taken away from him. He yearned to enjoy ‘transitory freedoms’ like staying
out at night, reading and going anywhere as he pleased. When he joined the African
National Congress, only then his own freedom became the greater hunger for his
people. He desired that his people should live their lives with dignity and self-respect.
This hunger for freedom forced him to be a rebel and live in secrecy away from his
family.

10. Why does Mandela say that freedom is indivisible? How are the
oppressed and the oppressor alike are robbed of their humanity?

Ans. Nelson Mandela believes that freedom is indivisible. His hunger for his own
freedom became the greater hunger for the freedom of his people. He couldn’t live his
life with dignity and self-respect if his own people were bound in chains. The chains on
any one of his people were the chains on all of them. The chains on all of his people
were the chains on him. Mandela realised that the oppressor must be liberated as
surely as the oppressed. A man who takes away another’s freedom is a prisoner of
hatred, prejudice and narrow mindedness. He is not truly free if he is taking away
someone else’s freedom. Surely, he is not free when his freedom is taken away from
him. Thus the oppressed and the oppressor alike are robbed of their humanity.

11. Describe the contribution of Nelson Mandela in the struggle for

independence of the blacks of his country against the hated apartheid
regime.

OR

Draw a character-sketch of Nelson Mandela highlighting his struggle against

the apartheid regime for the human rights of his people.

Ans. Nelson Mandela was the tallest of all the black heroes who waged a relentless
fight against the racial-regime in South Africa. He suffered untold sufferings and
tortures in prison but led the country to install the first democratically elected
government in South Africa. Nelson Mandela was not born with a hunger to be free.
Later on, he realised that his boyhood freedom was an illusion. He also realised his
concept of freedom in his youth was also ‘transitory’ and was limited to his personal
freedom. Only when he joined the African National Congress, his own freedom became
the greater hunger for the freedom of his people. Only then, a frightened young
lawyer was transformed into a bold `criminal’. A family-loving husband was forced to
lead the life of a monk in secrecy. Nelson Mandela is grateful in acknowledging the
unimaginable sacrifices of thousands of black heroes for the freedom of their people.
Modestly, he realises that freedom is indivisible. He realised that he could not lead a
free and honourable life if his people were in chains.

Nelson Mandela had a wider vision of humanity. For him, freedom was comprehensive
and couldn’t be divided. It shows his greatness that both the oppressor and the
oppressed should be liberated. Both of them alike are robbed of their humanity.