Nelson Mandela
Long walk to Freedom
Q:
Where did the ceremonies take place? Can you name any public buildings in India
that are made of sandstone?
The
ceremonies took place at the Union building in Pretoria, South Africa. This is
where Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as the first black president of South
Africa on May 10, 1994. In India, there are several public buildings which are
made of sandstones such as the Red Fort, Qutub Minar and the Parliament House
in Delhi etc.
Q:
Can you say how 10 is an ‘autumn day’ in South Africa?
10th
of May is considered an autumn day in South Africa because it is located in the
Southern Hemisphere. In the Southern Hemisphere, the seasons are opposite to
those in the Northern Hemisphere. Therefore, while May is a spring month in the
Northern Hemisphere, it is autumn in South Africa.
Q:
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 is referring to the system of
apartheid that caused immense suffering and injustice to the non-white
population of South Africa. Apartheid was a policy of racial segregation and
discrimination enforced by the government of South Africa from 1948 to 1994.
The “glorious .... human achievement” he speaks of at the end refers to the end
of apartheid and the establishment of a democratic and free society in South
Africa, where all people are treated equally regardless of their race.
Q:
What does Mandela thank the international leaders for?
Mandela
thanks the international leaders for their presence that they have come to take
possession with the people of South Africa of what is, after all, a common
victory for justice, for peace and for human dignity. He also acknowledges their
support, solidarity and their efforts in applying pressure on the South African
government through sanctions and diplomatic isolation, which played a crucial
role in bringing about the end of apartheid.
Q:
What ideals does he set out for the future of South Africa?
Nelson
Mandela sets out several ideals for the future of South Africa. He talks about
equality, non-racist society, peace and reconciliation, economic and social
justice and national unity. These ideals reflect Mandela’s vision of a just,
fair, and inclusive society in South Africa.
Q:
What do the military generals do? How has their attitude change, and why?
The
military generals were initially a part of the oppressive regime enforcing
apartheid, using their power to maintain status quo and suppress resistance
movements. However, their attitude changed over time significantly. When
Mandela was released and the subsequent negotiations for a democratic South
Africa, the military generals are seen saluting him and displaying respect. This
change was a result of the shifting political landscape and the recognition of
Mandela’s leadership.
Q:
Why were two national anthems sung?
The
two national songs were sung to symbolize unity and reconciliation. “Nkosi Sikelel’
iAfrika,” associated with the anti-apartheid movement and the black majority,
and “Die Stem,” the anthem of the apartheid regime and the white minority, were
both sung to represent the coming together of different races and communities
in the new democratic South Africa.
Q:
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?
Mandela
described the government in the first decade of twentieth century as a colonial
and segregationist regime, characterized by the systemic marginalization and oppression
of the black majority. During this period, laws and policies were instituted to
maintain white supremacy and control over the indigenous population.
In
the final decade of the 20th century, Mandela described the government as a democratic
system that had finally dismantled the structures of apartheid. This decade saw
the rise of a government that aimed to represent all South Africans. Characterized
by principles of equality, freedom and justice.
Q:
What does courage mean to Mandela?
For
Mandela, courage is not the absence of fear but the triumph over it. He reflects
on how brave individuals are not those who do not feel afraid but those who
conquer their fears. This perspective highlights the internal struggle and the
strength needed to face and overcome daunting challenges, especially in fight
for justice and equality.
Q:
Which does he think is natural, to love or to hate?
Mandela
believes that love comes more naturally to the human heart than hate. He suggests
that people are not born hating others; instead, they learn to hate through
societal influences and conditions. Therefore, if people can learn to hate, they
can also be taught to love, which is a more natural and fulfilling emotion.
Q:
What “twin obligations” does Mandela mention?
One
of the twin obligations Mandela mentions is the obligation to one’s family,
parents, and children. This involves taking care of them, supporting them, and
ensuring their welfare. The other obligation is to one’s people, his community
and his country. This includes fighting for their rights, striving for their
freedom, and contributing to their well-being and progress.
Q:
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 for Mandela meant being able to run in the fields near his mother’s
hut, swim in clear stream, and roast maize under the stars. It was the simple, unrestricted
joys of the childhood, like being free from the rules imposed by the elders. As
a student, freedom meant the ability to read what he liked, think what he
liked, and talk to whoever he liked. It represented a form of intellectual
freedom and independence that allow him to explore ideas and express his thoughts
without restriction. Mandela refers to them as transitory freedoms. They are
temporary, superficial freedoms of youth, which are often more about personal
indulgence and immediate satisfaction. He contrasts these with basic and
honourable freedoms. These are fundamental human rights and dignities, such as
the right to live with dignity, the right to be respected, the right to equal
opportunity, and the right to live free from fear and oppression. He considers
them essential for the well being and fulfillment of an individual and are worth
fighting for.
Q:
Does Mandela think the oppressor is free? Why/Why not?
Mandela
believes that both the oppressed and the oppressor are robbed of their humanity.
The oppressor is not free because they are bound by the system of oppression. The
oppressor lives in constant fear of rebellion and retaliation from the oppressed,
and this fear creates a psychological and moral imprisonment. Mandela argues
that true freedom is not just the absence of overt physical oppression but also
the liberation of the mind and spirit. The oppressor, by denying freedom to
others, becomes a prisoner of hatred, prejudice, and narrow-mindedness, thus
losing their humanity and inner peace. Therefore, both the oppressed and the
oppressor need liberation for true freedom to be achieved.
Q;
Why did such a large number of international leaders attend the inauguration? What did it signify the triumph of?
A
large number of international leaders attended Mandela’s inauguration on May
10, 1994, because it marked a historic moment in the fight against apartheid and
the establishment of a democratic South Africa. The significance of this event
lay in its representation of the triumph of justice, equality and reconciliation
over decades of racial segregation and oppression. Mandela’s presidency symbolized
a new era of hope, unity and international solidarity in support of human
rights and democracy.
Q:
What does Mandela mean when he says he is “simply the sum of all those African
patriots” who had gone before him?
Mandela
is actually acknowledging the contributions and sacrifices of countless individuals
who fought against colonialism an apartheid. He sees himself as part of a larger
movement, standing on the shoulders of previous generations of freedom fighters
who paved the way for his leadership. Mandela honours their legacy and emphasizes
that his achievements are not his alone, but the culmination of a collective
struggle for freedom and justice.
Q:
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?
Yes,
the “depths of oppression” can indeed create “heights of character,” as
adversity often brings out resilience, strength, and moral fortitude in
individual and communities. Mandela illustrates this through his own experiences
and those of his fellow prisoners on Robben Island. Mandela’s ability to
forgive his oppressors and advocate for reconciliation upon his release,
demonstrating profound personal growth and strength of character. In the same
way, Martin Luther King Jr.’s leadership in the American Civil Rights Movement,
maintaining a commitment to non-violence and equality despite facing
significant dangers and adversities is another example of such character.
Q:
How did Mandela’s understanding of freedom change with age and experience?
Mandela’s
understanding of freedom evolved significantly over time. When he was young, he
viewed freedom in a more personal context, such as ability to make his own
choices and live without restrictions. When he became politically active in
adulthood, his concept of freedom expanded to encompass the political liberation
of all South Africa from the yoke of apartheid. During imprisonment, Mandela’s
notion of freedom deepened further. He realized that true freedom involves not just
the absence of oppression, but also the presence of justice, equality, and the
ability for all individuals to live with dignity. After his release from prison,
Mandela’s vision of freedom included reconciliation and nation-building,
emphasizing the importance of collective freedom and the well being of the entire
society.
Q:
How did Mandela’s ‘hunger for freedom’ change his life?
Mandela’s
“hunger for freedom” fundamentally shaped his life in several way. First of all,
it drove him to join the African National Congress and become deeply involved
in the anti-apartheid movement. His unyielding pursuit of freedom led to his arrest
and long-term imprisonment. Despite the personal cost, Mandela’s commitment
never wavered, and he used his time in prison to strengthen his resolve and
leadership. His passion for freedom transformed him into an international
symbol of resistance and moral authority. Upon his release, he played a crucial
role in negotiating the end of apartheid and establishing a democratic South Africa.
His lifelong dedication to freedom and equality left a lasting legacy,
inspiring future generations to continue the fight for human rights and social
justice worldwide.
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