Chapter 2: Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

Introduction

This chapter is an excerpt from the autobiography of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, "Long Walk to Freedom." It covers the historic occasion of his inauguration as the first black President of South Africa and describes the celebration, the significance of the event, and Mandela's thoughts on freedom, oppression, and the future of his nation.

Story Summary

The chapter begins with a description of the inauguration ceremony on May 10, 1994, held in the Union Buildings Amphitheatre in Pretoria. This was a grand event, attended by dignitaries and political figures from over 140 countries, symbolizing the victory over apartheid – a system of racial segregation and discrimination.

Nelson Mandela, after decades of struggle and imprisonment, took the oath as the first black President of South Africa. He expressed gratitude to all international guests for witnessing this common victory for justice, peace, and human dignity. He pledged to liberate his people from the continuing bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender, and other discrimination.

Mandela reflects on the meaning of freedom. For him, in his youth, freedom was about personal liberation – the freedom to run in the fields, swim in the clear stream, and roast mealies under the stars. As he grew older, he realized that true freedom was not just personal but also the freedom of his community and nation from oppression. He understood that his personal freedom was intertwined with the freedom of his people.

He speaks about the two obligations every man has: one to his family, and the other to his country and community. He explains how, under apartheid, it was impossible for a black man to fulfill both obligations. He discusses the concept of "courage" and how it's not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. He mentions that love comes more naturally to the human heart than hatred and that people can be taught to love.

Mandela lists the great patriots who sacrificed their lives for the cause of freedom, such as Oliver Tambo, Walter Sisulu, Chief Luthuli, Yusuf Dadoo, and others, recognizing that he alone could not repay their sacrifices. He concludes by stating that freedom is indivisible and that the chains on any one of his people were the chains on all of them, and the chains on all his people were the chains on him.

Main Characters

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela: The central figure, the first black President of South Africa, and a prominent anti-apartheid revolutionary.
His daughter, Zenani: Accompanied him on the day of the inauguration.
Thabo Mbeki: Sworn in as the First Deputy President.
F.W. de Klerk: Sworn in as the Second Deputy President.
Other African National Congress (ANC) leaders: Mentioned as fellow comrades and patriots who fought for freedom.

Key Themes

Struggle for Freedom and Equality: The core theme, highlighting the long and arduous fight against apartheid and the eventual triumph of equality.
Meaning of Freedom: Explores how freedom evolves from a personal desire to a broader, collective responsibility for the nation's liberation.
Duty and Obligation: Mandela's concept of a "dual obligation" to family and community/country.
Courage and Resilience: The spirit of resistance and enduring suffering for a just cause.
Forgiveness and Reconciliation: Though not explicitly stated as a main theme in this excerpt, it's implicit in the transition to a democratic, inclusive South Africa.

Textbook Questions and Answers

I. Oral Comprehension Check (Page 18)

Where did the ceremonies take place? Can you name any public buildings in India that are made of sandstone?
The ceremonies took place in the Union Buildings amphitheatre in Pretoria, South Africa. In India, public buildings made of sandstone include the Parliament House, Rashtrapati Bhavan, and the Red Fort in Delhi.
Can you say how 10 May is an 'autumn day' in South Africa?
10 May is an 'autumn day' in South Africa because South Africa is in the Southern Hemisphere. While May signifies late spring/early summer in the Northern Hemisphere, it marks the autumn season in the Southern Hemisphere, characterized by pleasant weather.
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?
By "an extraordinary human disaster," Mandela refers to the oppressive system of apartheid, which caused immense suffering and racial segregation in South Africa. The "glorious human achievement" he speaks of at the end is the establishment of the first democratic, non-racial government in South Africa, marking the victory over apartheid and the beginning of equality for all.
What does Mandela thank the international leaders for?
Mandela thanks the international leaders for coming to witness the inauguration. He expresses gratitude that they have come to take possession with the people of South Africa of a common victory for justice, for peace, for human dignity.
What ideals does he set out for the future of South Africa?
He sets out ideals to liberate all his people from the continuing bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender, and other discrimination. He also pledges to ensure that never again will this beautiful land experience the oppression of one by another.

II. Thinking about the Text (Page 24)

What "two obligations" does Mandela mention?
Mandela mentions two obligations: the first is to his family, his parents, his wife and children; the second is to his people, his community and his country.
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"?
As a boy, freedom meant to Mandela the ability to run in the fields, swim in the clear stream, and roast mealies under the stars. As a student, it meant the freedom to stay out at night, read what he pleased, and go where he chose. He calls these "transitory freedoms" because they were temporary and superficial, not true freedom. He contrasts them with "the basic and honourable freedoms" like the freedom to achieve his potential, to earn his living, to marry and have a family, and, ultimately, the freedom for his people from oppression and racial discrimination.
Does Mandela think the oppressor is free? Why/Why not?
No, Mandela does not think the oppressor is free. He believes that a man who takes away another man's freedom is a prisoner of hatred, locked behind the bars of prejudice and narrow-mindedness. Both the oppressor and the oppressed are robbed of their humanity.

III. Thinking about Language (Page 25 - Extracts relevant to the chapter text)

Match the items in Column A with the items in Column B:

Column A

1. A Government by the people, of the people, and for the people:

2. A state of being free:

3. The quality of being impartial or fair:

4. The action of making amends for a wrong one has done, by providing payment or other assistance to those who have been wronged:

5. A strong feeling of pride and respect for your own country:

6. An organized protest by people who share a common cause:

Column B

A. Liberty

B. Patriotism

C. Democracy

D. Reparation

E. Justice

F. Demonstration

Matches:

1. A Government by the people, of the people, and for the people: **C. Democracy**

2. A state of being free: **A. Liberty**

3. The quality of being impartial or fair: **E. Justice**

4. The action of making amends for a wrong one has done, by providing payment or other assistance to those who have been wronged: **D. Reparation**

5. A strong feeling of pride and respect for your own country: **B. Patriotism**

6. An organized protest by people who share a common cause: **F. Demonstration**

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