This excerpt from Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela is a powerful and emotional reflection on South Africa’s transition from apartheid to democracy, capturing both the personal and national significance of that transformation.
Summary
This excerpt is a profound meditation on freedom, sacrifice, unity, and moral strength. It’s a deeply personal and philosophical statement from a man who became the face of one of the most successful struggles against institutionalized racism in modern history. It explores themes of personal and collective struggle, the nature of courage and humanity, the idea of freedom, and forgiveness and reconciliation. It also paints the inauguration as a historical turning point for justice and human dignity.
Questions
1. Where did the ceremonies take place?
The ceremonies took place in the sandstone amphitheatre formed by the Union Buildings in Pretoria, South Africa. This location had historically been a symbol of white supremacy but became the site of the first democratic, non-racial government inauguration.
“The ceremonies took place in the lovely sandstone amphitheatre formed by the Union Buildings in Pretoria.”
2. Can you name any public buildings in India that are made of sandstone?
Yes, several iconic public buildings in India are constructed using sandstone, especially red and pink sandstone. Here are a few:
- Red Fort, Delhi – Made primarily of red sandstone, built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan.
- Rashtrapati Bhavan, Delhi – The official residence of the President of India, built using cream and red sandstone.
- India Gate, Delhi – A war memorial also constructed with red sandstone and granite.
- Hawa Mahal, Jaipur – Famous for its pink sandstone latticework.
- Jantar Mantar, Jaipur – Historical astronomical observatory made with sandstone.
- Fatehpur Sikri, near Agra – A whole city complex constructed in red sandstone during the Mughal era.
3. Can you say how 10 May is an ‘autumn day’ in South Africa?
Yes, 10 May is an ‘autumn day’ in South Africa because South Africa is located in the Southern Hemisphere, where the seasons are opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere.
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In the Southern Hemisphere:
- Autumn (fall) typically occurs from March to May.
- Winter follows from June to August.
Therefore, 10 May falls in the late autumn season in South Africa.
Mandela describes the day as “a lovely autumn day,” which is accurate for the time and place.
4. 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?
At the beginning of his speech, Nelson Mandela refers to apartheid as “an extraordinary human disaster.” By this, he means the long and painful period of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination in South Africa. For decades, the non-white population was denied basic human rights and lived under a system of oppression that deeply wounded the nation. This "disaster" was not just political but also moral and emotional, affecting every aspect of life for millions. Toward the end of the speech, Mandela speaks of “so glorious a human achievement,” which refers to the peaceful transition from apartheid to a democratic government. It marks the triumph of justice, equality, and human dignity over decades of injustice. The successful establishment of a non-racial democracy is seen not only as a national victory but also as a symbol of hope and unity for the entire world.
5. What does Mandela thank the international leaders for?
Nelson Mandela thanks the international leaders for attending his inauguration and standing in solidarity with the people of South Africa. He expresses his deep gratitude for their presence, which he sees as a powerful recognition of the country’s journey from oppression to freedom. Mandela refers to the end of apartheid and the birth of democracy as a “common victory” not just for South Africans, but for the entire world—a triumph of justice, peace, and human dignity. By acknowledging the support of the international community, he emphasizes the global significance of South Africa’s democratic transformation and the importance of unity in the face of injustice.
6. What ideals does he set out for the future of South Africa?
In his speech, Nelson Mandela sets out a vision of a South Africa built on the ideals of equality, justice, and human dignity. He pledges to work toward liberating all South Africans from poverty, deprivation, suffering, and all forms of discrimination, including gender and racial inequality. Mandela imagines a society where freedom is shared by all, and where the oppression of one person by another will never happen again. He calls for national healing and unity, and believes that the foundation of the new South Africa must be based on reconciliation, mutual respect, and democratic values. These ideals reflect his commitment to building a better future for all citizens, regardless of race or background.
7. What do the military generals do? How has their attitude changed, and
why?
During the inauguration ceremony, the military generals of South Africa salute Nelson Mandela and pledge their loyalty to the new democratic government. This is a powerful and symbolic moment, as Mandela points out that not so long ago, these same generals would have arrested him instead of honoring him. Their change in attitude reflects the dramatic political shift in the country—from a regime of apartheid to a democracy that recognizes and respects all citizens equally. The generals’ actions demonstrate that the armed forces, once instruments of oppression, are now committed to serving and protecting a free, united South Africa. Their salute symbolizes the acceptance of a new order and loyalty to the will of the people.
8. Why were two national anthems sung?
Two national anthems were sung during the inauguration to symbolize unity and reconciliation between South Africa’s different racial and cultural groups. “Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika”, the anthem of the black liberation movement, and “Die Stem”, the old anthem of the apartheid-era government, were both performed. This act showed a willingness to honor the past of all South Africans—both black and white—and to bring them together in a shared future. Although, as Mandela notes, neither group knew the words to the other’s anthem at the time, the gesture marked the beginning of a new, inclusive national identity. It reflected Mandela’s vision of healing, mutual respect, and national unity.
9. 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?
Nelson Mandela contrasts the systems of government in South Africa during two key periods of the twentieth century. In the first decade, shortly after the Anglo-Boer War, white South Africans came together to form a government that established a system of racial domination, excluding black South Africans and creating one of the harshest and most inhumane societies in the world. This system laid the foundation for apartheid. In the final decade of the twentieth century, after years of struggle and sacrifice, that oppressive system was overturned and replaced with a democratic government that recognized the rights and freedoms of all people, regardless of race. Mandela emphasizes that this transformation marked a historic and moral victory for justice and equality in South Africa.
10. What does courage mean to Mandela?
To Nelson Mandela, courage does not mean the absence of fear, but rather the ability to overcome fear in the face of danger or hardship. He learned this through his experiences during the struggle against apartheid and while imprisoned. Mandela observed that true bravery lies in standing up for one’s beliefs and continuing to fight for justice, even when one is afraid. He saw many men and women endure torture, risk their lives, and remain unbroken in their commitment to freedom. Mandela believes that the brave person is not someone who feels no fear, but someone who chooses to act in spite of it. His definition of courage is rooted in resilience, sacrifice, and moral strength.
11. Which does he think is natural, to love or to hate?
Nelson Mandela believes that it is natural for people to love, not to hate. He explains that no one is born hating another person because of their skin color, background, or religion. Hatred, he says, is something that people learn. Therefore, if people can be taught to hate, they can also be taught to love, because love comes more naturally to the human heart. This belief reflects Mandela’s deep faith in the goodness and potential of human beings, even in the face of cruelty and injustice. His words highlight his commitment to forgiveness, reconciliation, and unity, rather than resentment or revenge.
12. What “twin obligations” does Mandela mention?
Nelson Mandela speaks about the “twin obligations” that every person has in life. The first is an obligation to one’s family—to parents, spouse, and children. The second is an obligation to one’s people, community, and country. In a free and fair society, a person should be able to fulfill both of these duties. However, Mandela explains that under apartheid in South Africa, it was almost impossible for a black person to meet both obligations. If a black man tried to live a normal life and support his family, he was oppressed. If he tried to serve his people and fight for justice, he was persecuted, imprisoned, or forced to live apart from his loved ones. Mandela himself had to choose his people’s freedom over his personal life, showing the great sacrifices made by those who resisted apartheid.
13. 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, Nelson Mandela saw freedom in a simple and joyful way. To him, being free meant running in the fields near his mother’s hut, swimming in the stream, and enjoying nature without restriction. These were the innocent freedoms of childhood. As a student, his idea of freedom expanded slightly—he wanted the freedom to stay out late, read what he liked, and go where he pleased. He refers to these as “transitory freedoms”—temporary and personal desires. However, as he matured, Mandela realized that true freedom was much deeper. He began to long for the “basic and honourable freedoms”: the freedom to live with dignity, to earn a living, to marry and raise a family without interference. He contrasts these two types of freedom to show how his understanding evolved from personal wants to a broader commitment to justice and human rights for all people.
14. Does Mandela think the oppressor is free? Why/Why not?
Nelson Mandela does not believe that the oppressor is truly free. He explains that a person who takes away another’s freedom becomes a “prisoner of hatred”, trapped behind the “bars of prejudice and narrow-mindedness.” Just as the oppressed are denied their human rights, the oppressor loses his humanity and moral freedom. Mandela believes that true freedom includes the ability to live without hatred, fear, or the need to dominate others. Therefore, both the oppressed and the oppressor must be liberated, because injustice harms everyone involved. This powerful idea reflects Mandela’s belief in reconciliation and in the shared humanity of all people.
