Nelson Mandela – Before You Read

‘Apartheid’ is a political system that separates people according to their race. Can you say which of the three countries named below had such a political system until very recently?

1. United States of America.
2. South Africa.
3. Australia.

The correct answer is B – South Africa. 

Have you heard of Nelson Mandela? Mandela, and his African National Congress, spent a lifetime fighting against apartheid. Mandela had to spend thirty years in prison. Finally, democratic elections were held in South Africa in 1994, and Mandela became the first black President of a new nation.

In this extract from his autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom, Mandela speaks about a historic occasion, ‘the inauguration’. Can you guess what the occasion might be? Check your guess with this news item (from the BBC) of 10 May 1994.

The correct answer is: The swearing-in ceremony of Nelson Mandela as the first Black President of South Africa.

Oral Comprehension Check 1

1. Where did the ceremonies take place? Can you name any sandstone buildings in India?
   The ceremonies took place at the Union Buildings in Pretoria (South Africa). Examples of sandstone buildings in India are the Red Fort, the Rashtrapati Bhavan and the Parliament House.
2. How is 10 May an “autumn day” in South Africa?
   South Africa is in the Southern Hemisphere. Seasons are opposite to India. So, when it is summer in India (May), it is autumn in South Africa.
3. What is the “extraordinary human disaster”? What is the “glorious human achievement”?
   The extraordinary human disaster is the system of apartheid. The Glorious human achievement is the establishment of a free, democratic, non-racial government.
4. Why does Mandela thank the international leaders?
   He thanks them for coming to support South Africa, for sharing in the country’s victory and standing for justice, peace, and human dignity.
5. What ideals does Mandela set for the future of South Africa?
   Mandela hopes for a country where all people are equal, where there is no discrimination, where people live with freedom and dignity, and a country where there is peace and unity.

Oral Comprehension Check 2

1. Why did such a large number of international leaders attend the inauguration? What did it signify?
   A large number of international leaders attended the inauguration to show their support for South Africa’s new democratic government. Their presence signified the end of apartheid and the victory of justice, equality, and human dignity. It also marked South Africa’s acceptance as a free nation in the global community.
2. What does Mandela mean when he says he is “simply the sum of all those African patriots” who had gone before him?
   Mandela means that his success is not his own achievement alone. It is the result of the sacrifices, struggles, and contributions of many freedom fighters who came before him. He considers himself a continuation of their efforts and a representative of their collective struggle.
3. Would you agree that the “depths of oppression” create “heights of character”? How does Mandela illustrate this? Can you add your own examples?
   Yes, it is true that deep oppression can create strong character. Mandela explains that the harsh system of apartheid produced great leaders who showed courage, resilience, and wisdom. People like Oliver Tambo and Walter Sisulu became strong because of the suffering they faced. Similarly, in history, many leaders have emerged stronger after facing hardships, showing that struggle can build character.
4. How did Mandela’s understanding of freedom change with age and experience?
   Mandela’s idea of freedom changed as he grew older. As a child, he thought freedom meant playing and living happily. As a young man, he wanted personal freedom such as choosing his lifestyle. Later, he realised that true freedom means equality and rights for all people, not just individual liberty.
5. How did Mandela’s ‘hunger for freedom’ change his life?
   Mandela’s hunger for freedom completely transformed his life. It made him join the struggle against apartheid and sacrifice his personal comfort and family life. He became a determined leader who was ready to face imprisonment and hardships for the sake of his people’s freedom, ultimately becoming a symbol of courage and justice.

Oral Comprehension Check 3

1. What “twin obligations” does Mandela mention?
   Mandela mentions that every person has twin obligations: one towards their family and the other towards their country or community. A person is expected to take care of their parents, wife, and children, while also fulfilling duties towards society and the nation. However, under apartheid, it was difficult for him to fulfil both, as serving his people often meant sacrificing his family life.
2. 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, Mandela thought freedom meant being able to play, run in the fields, swim, and live without worry. As a student, freedom meant enjoying personal choices like going out at night and reading what he liked. However, he later realised that these were only “transitory freedoms,” which were temporary and limited. In contrast, “basic and honourable freedoms” meant having equal rights, dignity, and the ability to live a meaningful life without discrimination, which was denied to his people under apartheid.
3. Does Mandela think the oppressor is free? Why/Why not?
   No, Mandela does not think the oppressor is truly free. He believes that a person who takes away another’s freedom becomes a prisoner of hatred, prejudice, and narrow-mindedness. Such a person loses their humanity and moral freedom. Therefore, both the oppressed and the oppressor are not truly free, as both are trapped in different ways.

Thinking about the Text

1. 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 the inauguration to show their support and respect for South Africa’s transition to democracy. Their presence signified the triumph of justice, equality, and human dignity over the long period of racial discrimination and oppression under apartheid. It also marked the country’s acceptance as a free and democratic nation in the global community.
2. What does Mandela mean when he says he is “simply the sum of all those African patriots” who had gone before him?
   Mandela means that his success and position are not the result of his individual efforts alone, but the outcome of the sacrifices and struggles of many freedom fighters who came before him. He sees himself as a continuation of their work and believes that their courage and dedication made his achievement possible.
3. 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, it is true that deep oppression can lead to the development of strong character. Mandela illustrates this by mentioning leaders like Oliver Tambo and Walter Sisulu, who showed great courage, wisdom, and resilience despite suffering under apartheid. Their hardships strengthened their determination and moral strength. Similarly, many leaders in history have become stronger through struggle, showing that difficult situations can build great character.
4. How did Mandela’s understanding of freedom change with age and experience?
   Mandela’s understanding of freedom evolved over time. As a child, he believed freedom meant being able to play and live without restrictions. As a young man, he valued personal freedom, such as making his own choices. However, with experience, he realised that true freedom meant equality, justice, and dignity for all people, not just individual liberty. His idea of freedom became broader and more meaningful.
5. How did Mandela’s ‘hunger for freedom’ change his life?
   Mandela’s hunger for freedom transformed his life completely. It motivated him to join the struggle against apartheid and dedicate himself to the cause of his people. He sacrificed his personal comfort, family life, and freedom, even enduring long imprisonment. This strong desire for justice turned him into a courageous leader and a symbol of hope and resistance.

Speech Writing

Topic: True liberty is freedom from poverty, deprivation and all forms of discrimination.

Notes:

1. Meaning of true liberty

• Addressing the audience.
• Not just political freedom
• Includes dignity, equality, and basic needs
• Freedom from fear, hunger, and injustice

2. Causes of poverty

• Unemployment
• Lack of education
• Unequal distribution of wealth
• Corruption and poor governance

3. Ways to overcome poverty

• Quality education for all
• Job creation and skill development
• Government welfare schemes
• Equal opportunities

4. Discrimination

• Based on gender, religion, caste, class
• Leads to inequality and injustice
• Stops people from progressing

5. Solutions to discrimination

• Awareness and education
• Strict laws and enforcement
• Equal rights and respect

6. Human rights

• Right to equality
• Right to freedom
• Right to education and dignity
• Protected by the Constitution.
• Thanking the audience.

Speech

Good morning everyone,

Today, I would like to speak on the topic, “True liberty is freedom from poverty, deprivation and all forms of discrimination.” True liberty is not just about political independence; it is about living a life of dignity, equality, and opportunity. A person cannot feel truly free if they are poor, hungry, or treated unfairly.

Poverty is one of the biggest barriers to liberty. It is caused by unemployment, lack of education, and unequal distribution of resources. To overcome poverty, we must focus on education, skill development, and creating job opportunities. Governments must ensure that basic needs like food, shelter, and healthcare are available to all.

Another major issue is discrimination. Many people face injustice based on their gender, religion, caste, or social status. This kind of discrimination prevents individuals from reaching their full potential and creates division in society. We must promote equality, spread awareness, and strictly follow laws that protect everyone’s rights.

Our Constitution guarantees fundamental human rights such as equality, freedom, and dignity. However, these rights must be implemented in reality, not just written on paper. True liberty can only be achieved when every individual is treated with respect and given equal opportunities.

In conclusion, a society is truly free only when it removes poverty, ends discrimination, and ensures justice for all. Let us work together to build such a society.

Thank you.

For the rest of the questions, start Quiz!