Chapter 2 – Nelson Mandela Long Walk to Freedom Additional Questions and Answers

Content structure

A. Multiple choice questions & answers (MCQs)
B. Fill in the blanks
C. Complete the following sentences
D. True or False
E. Short questions & answers
F. Long questions & answers

A. Multiple choice questions & answers (MCQs)

1. When did the inauguration ceremony take place?
(a) 15th May
(b) 10th May
(c) 5th April
(d) 20th June

Ans: (b) 10th May

2. Where did the event happen?
(a) Cape Town
(b) Durban
(c) Pretoria
(d) Johannesburg

Ans: (c) Pretoria

3. Who was sworn in before Nelson Mandela?
(a) Thabo Mbeki
(b) Mr de Klerk
(c) Both A and B
(d) Jacob Zuma

Ans: (c) Both A and B

4. What did Mandela promise to follow?
(a) His friends
(b) The flag
(c) The Constitution
(d) His school

Ans: (c) The Constitution

5. Who went with Mandela?
(a) His son
(b) His friend
(c) His daughter Zenani
(d) His uncle

Ans: (c) His daughter Zenani

6. What did Mandela call the day of the inauguration?
(a) Day of sadness
(b) Day of loss
(c) Day of Glory and hope
(d) Day of Silence

Ans: (c) Day of glory and hope

7. What did Mandela say about courage?
(a) It means never being afraid
(b) It is running away from danger
(c) It is winning fights
(d) It is overcoming fear

Ans: (d) It is overcoming fear

8. What was the system of racial rule called?
(a) Racism
(b) Apartheid
(c) Discrimination
(d) Colonization

Ans: (b) Apartheid

9. What did Mandela do to fight for freedom?
(a) Stayed Silent
(b) Moved away
(c) Joined ANC
(d) Gave up

Ans: (c) Joined ANC

10. What kind of people did apartheid also create?
(a) Weak people
(b) Honest guards
(c) Strong leaders
(d) Poor farmers

Ans: (c) Strong leaders

11. What was Mandela’s message to the world?
(a) Everyone goes home
(b) Let freedom reign
(c) Time to rest
(d) God bless the king

Ans: (b) Let freedom reign

12. What does humanity mean in Mandela’s speech?
(a) Being fast
(b) Being kind and loving
(c) Being rich
(d) Being strong

Ans: (b) Being kind and loving

13. What colours were in the smoke trail from the jets?
(a) Black, red, green, blue, and gold
(b) Yellow, purple, pink
(c) Blue, grey, white
(d) Red, brown, green

Ans: (a) Black, red, green, blue, and gold

14. What did Mandela feel on the day of the inauguration?
(a) Angry
(b) Scared
(c) Happy and proud
(d) Bored

Ans: (c) Happy and proud

15. What did apartheid stop people from doing?
(a) Going to school
(b) Eating food
(c) Living freely and equally
(d) Playing outside

Ans: (c) Living freely and equally

16. What is the name of the place where the event happened?
(a) City Hall
(b) Union Buildings
(c) National Park
(d) Parliament House

Ans: (b) Union Buildings

17. What did singing both anthems show?
(a) Fight
(b) Unity
(c) Fear
(d) Dance

Ans: (b) Unity

18. What was the weather like on the day of the inauguration?
(a) Cloudy
(b) Rainy
(c) Sunny and clear
(d) Stormy

Ans: (c) Sunny and clear

19. What kind of government was formed in South Africa after the election?
(a) Military government
(b) Racial government
(c) Non-racial democratic government
(d) Religious government

Ans: (c) Non-racial democratic government

20. What did the air show symbolize?
(a) Military power
(b) A war
(c) Loyalty to democracy
(d) Fun and entertainment

Ans: (c) Loyalty to democracy

21. What is the full form of ANC?
(a) African National Council
(b) All Nations Committee
(c) African National Congress
(d) African Native Committee

Ans: (c) African National Congress

B. Fill in the blanks

1. Mandela joined the ____________ to fight for freedom. (African National Congress)
2. Mandela said man’s goodness is like a __________________. (flame)
3. Mandela said the greatest wealth of the country is its _______________. (people)
4. The army planes made a smoke trail in the shape of the __________________. (flag)
5. Mandela became the first __________________ president of South Africa. (black)
6. Mandela was joined by his daughter named _____________________. (Zenani)
7. The new government was ______________ and fair. (democratic)
8. Apartheid hurt people and caused a deep ____________________. (wound)
9. Mandela said no one is born hating another because of __________________. (skin colour)
10. Mandela said freedom is _________________. If one is not free, no one is. (individual)
11. Mandela’s desire for freedom made him strong and ___________________. (bold)
12. Mandela wanted his country to be free from poverty and ____________________. (suffering)
13. Mandela thanked the guests for coming to South Africa’s ______________. (victory)
14. Mandela learned that freedom was already taken from him as a ____________________. (young man)
15. The leaders before Mandela made great ______________________. (sacrifices)

C. Complete the following sentences

1. The inauguration would be the largest gathering ever of international leaders on South African soil.

2. We, who were outlaws not so long ago, have today been given the rare privilege to be host to the nations of the world on our own soil.

3. We pledge ourselves to liberate all our people from the continuing bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender and other discrimination.

4. It was not only a display of military force, but also a demonstration of the military’s loyalty to democracy.

5. Although that day neither group knew the lyrics of the anthem they once despised, they would soon know the words by heart.

6. I felt that day, as I have on so many other days, that I was simply the sum of all those African patriots who had gone before me.

7. The policy of apartheid created a deep and lasting wound in my country and my people.

8. Perhaps it requires such depths of oppression to create such heights of character.

9. I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.

10. Even in the grimmest times in prison, I would see a glimmer of humanity in one of the guards.

11. No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background, or his religion.

12. In South Africa, a man who tried to live as a human being was punished and isolated.

13. I was born free – free to run in the fields near my mother’s hut.

14. It was only when I began to learn that my boyhood freedom was an illusion, that I began to hunger for it.

15. Freedom is indivisible; the chains on one of my people were the chains on all of them.

D. True or False

1. Mr de Klerk was sworn in before Mandela. (True)
S/S: Mr de Klerk promised to be the deputy president before Mandela became president.

2. Mandela promised to follow the Constitution. (True)
S/S: Mandela promised to respect and follow the rules written in the Constitution.

3. The ceremony happened in Johannesburg. (False)
S/S: The ceremony took place in Pretoria, not Johannesburg.

4. The military show was just for fun. (False)
S/S: The military showed they supported the new government.

5. People of all races sang the national anthem together. (True)
S/S: Black and white people sang both anthems to show unity.

6. The apartheid system helped everyone equally. (False)
S/S: Apartheid treated Black people unfairly and gave more power to white people.

7. Mandela said courage means not having fear at all. (False)
S/S: Mandela said courage means being afraid but still doing the right thing.

8. Mandela never enjoyed freedom as a child. (False)
S/S: As a child, Mandela felt free to play and live happily.

9. Mandela lived apart from his family because he chose comfort. (False)
S/S: Mandela stayed away from his family to fight for justice.

10. Mandela believed both the oppressed and oppressors need to be free. (True)
S/S: Mandela believed that both those who are treated unfairly and those who treat others unfairly are not truly free.

E. Short questions & answers

1. On which date did Nelson Mandela’s inauguration take place?
Ans: Nelson Mandela’s inauguration took place on 10th May, a bright and clear day, attended by respected leaders from many countries around the world.

2. What is the name of the building where the event took place?
Ans: The event took place at the Union Buildings, which had earlier been a symbol of white rule, where only white leaders held power.

3. Who were the two deputy presidents sworn in before Mandela?
Ans: Mr. de Klerk and Thabo Mbeki were the two deputy presidents sworn in before Nelson Mandela.

4. What did Mandela pledge to obey during the ceremony?
Ans: Nelson Mandela pledged to obey uphold the Constitution and to work for the well-being of the Republic and its people.

5. What message did Mandela give to the people in his speech?
Ans: In his speech, Nelson Mandela spoke about glory, hope, and the start of a new South Africa where all people would be treated equally, without discrimination based on skin colour.

6. What did the military air show symbolize during the celebration?
Ans: The military air show symbolized the army’s support for the new democratic government and the beginning of freedom in South Africa.

7. What change took place in the Union Buildings after many years?
Ans: The Union Buildings, once a symbol of white rule that became a place where people of all races gathered to celebrate the start of a free and equal government in South Africa.

8. What did Mandela call the real wealth of South Africa?
Ans: Mandela said that South Africa’s true wealth is its people because he believed their courage, kindness, and strength were more valuable than gold or diamonds.

9. What did Mandela say about courage?
Ans: Mandela said that courage doesn’t mean having no fear but rather being afraid and still facing that fear without giving up.

10. What did apartheid do to the people of South Africa?
Ans: Apartheid caused great pain and suffering. It divided people by skin color and made life difficult for Black South Africans.

11. Who were some of the great leaders produced during the struggle?
Ans: Nelson Mandela said that during the struggle, leaders like Oliver Tambo, Walter Sisulu, Chief Luthuli, and others showed great courage and wisdom while fighting for justice and freedom.

12. What kind of freedom did Mandela enjoy as a child?
Ans: As a child, Mandela felt free to play, swim, and live happily with his family. He didn’t know at that time that real freedom was missing from his life.

13. Why did Mandela say he was not truly free even as a young man?
Ans: Mandela said he was not truly free as a young man because people of his colour were not treated equally and lived under unfair laws.

14. What was Mandela’s role in the African National Congress?
Ans: Mandela joined the African National Congress to fight for equal rights and freedom for all South Africans, especially for those treated unfairly under apartheid.

15. Why was Mandela separated from his family?
Ans: Mandela was separated from his family because he chose to fight for justice, so his work for freedom kept him away from home for many years.

16. What promise did Mandela make to all people of South Africa?
Ans: Mandela promised to free all South Africans from poverty, suffering, and unfair treatment. He wanted everyone to live with peace, dignity, and equal rights.

17. What are the twin obligations every person has, according to Mandela?
Ans: According to Mandela, every person has two duties, one to their family, such as father, mother, child, or wife, and the other to their community and country.

18. What did Mandela say about the oppressor’s freedom?
Ans: Mandela said that the oppressor is also not free because they are trapped by hatred and narrow thinking.

19. What did Mandela say about people learning to love?
Ans: Mandela said that people are not born with hate; they learn to hate, so he believed they can also be taught to love, because love comes more naturally to the human heart.

20. What helped Mandela keep hope alive, even in prison?
Ans: Nelson Mandela said that in prison, small acts of kindness from the guards gave him hope. These moments reminded him that goodness and love still existed in people.

F. Long questions & answers

1. How did Mandela’s understanding of freedom evolve over time?
Ans: As a child, Mandela believed that freedom meant being able to play and live without any restrictions, but as he grew older, he realised that true freedom meant living with dignity and having equal rights. He also understood that his own freedom had no value if his people were not free. So, his wish for personal freedom slowly became a deep desire for the freedom of all South African people.

2. How does Mandela explain the meaning of “courage” in the context of the freedom struggle?
Ans: Mandela redefines courage as the strength to face fear and overcome it, not the absence of fear. During the struggle for freedom, many people were tortured, jailed, and attacked, yet they remained strong. Mandela admired this quality and said that real courage is shown when a person continues to fight despite fear and danger. This view of courage reflects the true strength of those who fought for South Africa’s freedom.

3. Why does Mandela consider the people of South Africa as its greatest wealth?
Ans: Mandela believed that although South Africa had rich resources like gold and diamonds, its real wealth was its people. He admired their courage, kindness, and strength, which he saw as more valuable than any treasure. During the struggle for freedom, many ordinary people showed great bravery and never gave up. Mandela respected their sacrifices and believed that the country’s future depended on such strong and brave citizens.

4. “Freedom is indivisible.” Explain this statement with reference to the text.
Ans: According to Mandela, freedom cannot be enjoyed alone; it must be shared by everyone. He believed that as long as even one person was not free, no one could truly be free. He strongly believed that real freedom includes equality and justice for all. If one group is still in chains, the entire nation remains unfree. This is why Mandela called freedom “indivisible.”

5. How is the theme of sacrifice highlighted throughout the chapter?
Ans: The theme of sacrifice runs deeply throughout the chapter, as Mandela describes how many brave men and women gave up their lives or freedom in the struggle for justice and equality. He also shares his own experience of pain and loss, having spent years away from his family during the fight against apartheid. These sacrifices were not made for personal power or fame, but for the good of the people and the dream of a free and fair South Africa. Through these examples, the chapter shows that freedom is not given easily; it must be earned through courage, struggle, and sacrifice.

6. What was the significance of the presence of international leaders at Mandela’s inauguration?
Ans: The presence of leaders from many countries at the inauguration showed global support for South Africa’s new beginning. It was a moment of honor for the country because it had once been isolated due to apartheid. Their presence meant that South Africa was now accepted and respected in the international community, which marked a shared victory for justice and human rights.

7. Why does Mandela say that both the oppressed and the oppressor need to be liberated?
Ans: Mandela believed that a person who takes away another’s freedom is also not truly free. The oppressor lives in fear, hate, and narrow thinking, which makes him a prisoner too. He believed true freedom can only exist when both the oppressed and the oppressor are free from fear and injustice. Mandela dreamed of a country where no one ruled over others and everyone could live with peace and respect.

8. What message does Mandela give about love, hate, and humanity?
Ans: Mandela believed that no one is born hating others because of their skin colour or religion. He said that people learn to hate, but they can also be taught to love, because love comes more naturally to the human heart. Even in prison, he noticed moments of kindness from the guards, which gave him hope. He believed that human goodness is like a flame, it may be hidden, but it can never be completely put out. Through this message, Mandela teaches us about hope, forgiveness, and the power of love.

9. Who were some of the great leaders mentioned by Mandela, and what did he say about them?
Ans: Mandela mentioned leaders like Oliver Tambo, Walter Sisulu, Chief Luthuli, Yusuf Dadoo, Bram Fischer, and Robert Sobukwe. He praised them for their courage, wisdom, and selfless service to the nation. He said they were rare individuals and that such greatness is often born out of great suffering. These leaders inspired him and many others to continue the fight for justice and freedom.

10. What role did the Union Buildings play before and after the democratic government?
Ans: The Union Buildings played very different roles before and after the arrival of democratic government in South Africa. Earlier, they were a symbol of white rule and racial discrimination, where only white leaders held power but after Mandela’s election, the same buildings became a symbol of unity, where people of all races stood together. They came to represent freedom, equality, and a new beginning for the nation.