Nelson Mandela Long Walk to Freedom Notes

Content structure

  • 1. About the Author – Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela
  • 2. Theme of the story Nelson Mandela Long Walk to Freedom
  • 3. Summary of the chapter Nelson Mandela Long Walk to Freedom
    • Part – I
    • Part – II
    • Part – III
  • 4. Word Meaning
  • 5. Oral Comprehension ChecK
    • Part – I
    • Part – II
    • Part – III
  • 6. Exercise questions and answers (NCERT)
    • Thinking about the text
    • Thinking about the language
    • Using the Definite Article with Names
    • Idiomatic Expressions
    • Writing
    • Expressing Your Opinion

1. About the Author – (Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela)

Nelson Mandela was a kind and brave leader from South Africa. He was born on July 18, 1918, in the village of Mvezo and his original name was Rolihlahla. He believed everyone deserved equal treatment, no matter what their skin color was so he stood up against the rules in South Africa that treated people unfairly. He spent 27 years in prison for his actions. After he was released, he worked to bring peace to the country. In 1994, he became South Africa’s first Black President. He died on December 5, 2013.

Mandela Becomes South Africa’s First Black President
Nelson Mandela became South Africa’s first Black president after over three centuries of White rule. His party, the African National Congress (ANC), won 252 out of 400 seats in the country’s first democratic elections. The inauguration took place at the Union Buildings amphitheatre in Pretoria, with politicians and dignitaries from more than 140 countries present. In his speech, Mandela said, “Never, never again will this beautiful land experience the oppression of one by another.” After the ceremony, there were joyful scenes in the streets of Pretoria, where blacks, whites, and coloureds celebrated together. Over 100,000 South African men, women, and children of all races sang and danced with joy.

2. Theme of the story

  • First, the story is about how Black people in South Africa were treated unfairly by white people because of their skin color. Nelson Mandela spoke out against this and wanted everyone to be treated equally.
  • Second, Mandela believed that freedom is only real when it is shared by everyone, young and old, rich and poor. He wanted all people to have equal rights.
  • Third, he believed that true freedom means living in peace, where people respect each other and no one is judged by their race or background.

In the story, Mandela taught that people should not be judged by their color, background, or where they come from. He said no one is born with hate, but they can learn it from society. That’s why he believed love can help end unfair treatment.

3. Summary of the chapter

Part – I

On May 10th, a bright and historic day, Nelson Mandela attended a ceremony with many honored guests and world leaders for his inauguration. It was the largest gathering of international leaders ever held in South Africa. The ceremony took place at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, a location once known for white rule. Now, the country was celebrating its first democratic and fair government. Mandela arrived with his daughter Zenani. Thabo Mbeki was sworn in as the first Deputy President, and Mr. de Klerk as the second Deputy President. In his speech, Mandela promised to respect the Constitution and work for the good of the country and its people. He thanked all the guests for coming, saying their presence showed support for the freedom of the new South Africa. Mandela spoke about the long history of unfair laws but said this was now a chance to build a peaceful and equal society. He reminded everyone that all people are born equal and deserve the same treatment. He called the day a victory for justice, peace, and human dignity. Mandela said he felt proud to have the chance to help bring change and promised that no one in the country would have to suffer from unfair treatment again. He made it clear that South Africa would never return to the old ways, from now on, all people would live equally and peacefully. He ended his speech by saying the sun would never set on such a great moment, and that freedom would continue to shine.

Part – II

A little later, everyone looked up, saw South African jets, helicopters, and troop carriers flying over the building. It was a show of support from the army for the new democratic government, not a military power. Just before the general placed medals on Mandela, he saluted him. Mandela remembered that, years ago, the same general had once arrested him for standing against unfair laws. At that moment, colorful smoke filled the sky, forming the South African flag, while the national anthem played. As people sang, Black citizens also sang the old anthem of the Republic. Though they didn’t know each other’s songs, Mandela believed that one day, they would learn and share them together. These moments reminded Mandela of South Africa’s painful past when white leaders created laws treated Black people unfairly. But that system had ended, and a new one had begun where everyone would be treated equally. He said this day was made possible by the sacrifices and courage of thousands of people. Mandela called himself only a small part of that long journey. He felt a mix of pride and sadness when he thought about all the pain and hard work it took to reach that day. Mandela also spoke about how apartheid had deeply wounded the country and that healing would take many years. But even in those dark times, it gave rise to strong leaders like Oliver Tambo, Walter Sisulu, Chief Luthuli, and others. He said that although South Africa is rich in land and minerals, its true wealth is its people. From his struggle, Mandela learned that courage means standing strong in the face of injustice, just like his fellow freedom fighters did. He believed no one is born hating others because of their skin color, background, or religion. People learn to hate, but they can also learn to love. Love brings peace and replaces fairness. Even in prison, during very hard times, Mandela saw small acts of kindness from guards. These moments gave him hope and reminded him that while goodness can be hidden, it is never gone.

Part – III

Nelson Mandela said that every person has two main duties in life: one to their family, including parents, spouse, and children, and another to their community, society, and country. A fair country should allow people to fulfill both, but in South Africa, because of skin color, this was very difficult for him. While some people were allowed to live freely, Mandela was punished for standing against unfair treatment. When he tried to help others, he was taken away from his family and hidden in a place where people hoped he would change his beliefs and live selfishly. He also shared that he wasn’t born wanting freedom. Like any child, he lived freely, playing, running, swimming, and riding near his home. But he saw his parents struggle under tribal rules. As he grew older, he realized that true freedom did not exist. As a young man, he saw basic rights being taken away. At first, he only wanted small freedoms, like being able to read, live, and work freely. Later, he wished for the freedom to live a full life, working, marrying, and raising a family without being stopped. Eventually, Mandela understood that his own freedom meant nothing if others were not free too. That is why he joined the African National Congress (ANC). He wanted to fight not just for his own rights but for the freedom of all people. He also said he truly felt free only after helping others gain their freedom. Mandela believed everyone lived in a chain, but if even one person is not free, then freedom is lost for all. He also warned that people who treat others badly and those who are treated badly both lose their freedom. Hate and narrow thinking take away the chance to live equally and peacefully. That is why he encouraged everyone to protect and share freedom with others.

4. Word Meaning

WordMeanings
(to be) Besieged bysurrounded by people
Amphitheatreopen round stage with seats
Conferto give
We, who were outlawswe, who were once called wrong
Emancipationfreedom
Deprivationlack of basic things
Discriminationunfair treatment
Spectacular arrayamazing show
Not unmindful ofaware of
ChevronV-shape
Wroughtmade
Profounddeep or strong
Resiliencestaying strong
Pushed to our limitstested very hard
Inclinationschoices or wishes
Inevitablysurely
Illusionfalse idea
Transitoryshort time
Curtailedcut short
Prejudiceunfair hate
Pleasantlynicely
Inaugurationstarting ceremony
Non-racialfair to all races
Swornofficially promised
Pledgedpromised
Devotegive time and effort
Human dignityself-respect
Awegreat wonder
Precisionexactness
Bedeckeddecorated
Harshestvery cruel
Unimaginablehard to believe
Brutalitygreat cruelty
Comradesclose friends
Grimmestvery serious or sad
Obligationsduties
Twilight existencelife in hiding
Abidedfollowed rules
Animatedfull of energy
Oppressorsomeone who treats others badly

5. Oral Comprehension Check

Part – I

1. Where did the ceremonies take place? Can you name any public buildings in India that are made of sandstone?
Ans: The ceremonies took place on the campus of the Union Building of Pretoria and were attended by many dignitaries and leaders of many nations. In India, Rashtrapati Bhavan and Red Fort are buildings made of red stone.

2. Can you say how 10 May is an ‘autumn day’ in South Africa?
Ans: South Africa is located in the Southern Hemisphere, where the seasons are opposite to countries like India. So, in South Africa, May comes in the autumn season, and 10th May is called an ‘autumn day’.

3. 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?
Ans: By “an extraordinary human disaster,” Mandela means the system of apartheid in South Africa. Under this system, Black people were treated very badly and denied their basic rights. They were not allowed to speak freely or demand freedom. Mandela himself was jailed for many years on Robben Island and suffered great hardships. The “glorious human achievement” he mentions is the peaceful end of apartheid and the birth of a new, fair government, where a Black person, once seen as less than human, is now the honorable President of the country.

4. What does Mandela thank the international leaders for?
Ans: Mandela thanked the international leaders for coming to attend his oath ceremony and supporting South Africa’s new beginning. He felt honoured that the world now welcomed and respected a country that once treated Black people as outlaws. Their presence made the occasion more special and meaningful for all South Africans.

5. What ideals does he set out for the future of South Africa?
Ans: Mandela wanted a better future for South Africa where people would be free from poverty, pain, unfair treatment, and all kinds of discrimination. He dreamed of a country where everyone is treated equally.

Part – II

1. What do the military generals do? How has their attitude changed, and why?
Ans: he highest military generals of the South African defence force and police saluted Nelson Mandela and promised to support him. This was very important because during the time of apartheid they arrested people like him. Their change in attitude meant a lot to Mandela because now, instead of arresting a Black man, they were showing him respect.

2. Why were two national anthems sung?
Ans: On the day of the inauguration, two national anthems were sung: ‘Nkosi Sikelel-iAfrika’, the anthem of the Black people, and ‘Die Stem’, the anthem of the white people. This was done to show respect to both communities and to represent unity and equality in the new South Africa.

3. 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?
Ans:
(i) In the first decade of the twentieth century, white people created a system that treated Black people very unfairly. It was based on skin colour which made life hard and painful for the native people of South Africa.
(ii) In the final decade of the twentieth century, that unfair system was removed. A new government was formed that gave equal rights and freedom to people of all races.

4. What does courage mean to Mandela?
Ans: Nelson Mandela believed that courage does not mean the absence of fear, but the ability to overcome it. He said that brave people are not those who never feel afraid, but those who face fear and keep going forward.

5. Which does he think is natural, to love or to hate?
Ans: Nelson Mandela believed that love comes more naturally to the human heart than hate.

Part – III

1. What “twin obligations” does Mandela mention?
Ans: Mandela mentions that every man has twin obligations. The first is to look after his family, parents, wife, and children, and the second obligation is to his people, community, and country.

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”?
Ans: As a boy, Nelson Mandela thought freedom meant being able to run in the fields, play, swim, and stay out at night. As a student, he felt free when he could read what he liked and go where he wanted. But later, he realized these were just small and short-term freedoms. He began to understand that true freedom means having the right to live with dignity, to earn a living, and to live equally in society. These are the “basic and honourable freedoms” that he believed every person deserves.

3. Does Mandela think the oppressor is free? Why/Why not?
Ans: No, Mandela does not believe the oppressor is truly free. He explains that someone who takes away another person’s freedom becomes trapped by hate, prejudice, and narrow thinking. In his view, both the oppressed and the oppressor lose their humanity and suffer in different ways.

6. Exercise questions and answers (NCERT)

Thinking about the text

1. Why did such a large number of international leaders attend the inauguration? What did it signify the triumph of?
Ans: A large number of international leaders attended the inauguration to pay their respects to the first black president of South Africa. That day signifies the triumph of human freedom and democracy over brutal practices.

2. What does Mandela mean when he says he is “simply the sum of all those African patriots” who had gone before him?
Ans: By saying this, Mandela was paying tribute to the great people who sacrificed their lives for the sake of their country’s freedom. He feels that he is the sum of all those African patriots who had gone before him without witnessing this auspicious day. He says that those heroes of the past paved the way for cooperation and unity for him. They made it possible for me to achieve this day.

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?
Ans: I agree with the statement that the depths of oppression create heights of character. Mandela says that the decades of oppression and brutality produced many patriots. They were like Oliver Tambos, Walter Sisulus, Chief Luthulis, Yusuf Dadoos, etc. India is full of such examples, during the freedom struggle of India, there was a galaxy of leaders of great characters, and the oppression of British roles created and encouraged people of noble characters like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Bhagat Singh, and many more. If we compare them with the quality of political leaders India, is having today, then Nelson Mandela seems to be absolutely correct.

4. How did Mandela’s understanding of freedom change with age and experience?
Ans: When Mandela was in his youth, he thought that he was born free and believed that as long as he obeyed his father and abided by the customers of his tribe, he was free in every possible manner. But as he grew up, he started understanding the real meaning of freedom. The situation that he started experiencing was totally different from his previous thoughts relating to freedom. Gradually he realized that in his childhood he was nothing but selfish. He realized that it was not just his freedom that was being curtailed, but the freedom of all blacks. It was the freedom from fear and prejudice. So, the experience changed his perspective on freedom.

5. How did Mandela’s ‘hunger for freedom’ change his life?
Ans: As Mandela grew up, he realized that it was not just his freedom that was curtailed, but the freedom of all black people was snatched. And this thought changed the fearful man to a fearless rebel. He started working day and night for his country. He underwent many physical and mental tortures. He sacrificed his comfortable and settled life for a greater cause. Later on, he joined the African National Congress and fought against racial prejudice.

Thinking about the language

I. There are nouns in the text (formation, government) which are formed from the corresponding verbs (form, govern) by suffixing -(at)ion or ment. There may be a change in the spelling of some verb – noun pairs: such as rebel, rebellion; constitute, constitution.

1. Make a list of such pairs of nouns and verbs in the text.

Noun Verb
rebellionrebel
constitutionconstitute
government
transformation
discrimination
oppression

Ans:

Noun Verb
rebellionrebel
constitution constitute
formtionform
government govern
transformationtransform
discriminationdiscriminate
demonstrationdemonstrate
oppressionoppress
imaginationimagine
deprivationdeprive
obligationoblige

2. Read the paragraph below. Fill in the blanks with the noun forms of the verbs in brackets.
Martin Luther King’s _________________ (contribute) to our history as an outstanding leader began when he came to the _________ (assist) of Rosa Parks, a seamstress who refused to give up her seat on a bus to a
white passenger. In those days American Blacks were confined to positions of second class citizenship by restrictive laws and customs. To break these laws would mean _____________ (subjugate) and __________ (humiliate) by the police and the legal system. Beatings, ______________ (imprison) and sometimes death awaited those who defied the System. Martin Luther King’s tactics of protest involved non-violent ____________________ (resist) to racial injustice.

Ans:
Martin Luther King’s contribution to our history as an outstanding leader began when he came to the assistance of Rosa Parks, a seamstress who refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white passenger. In those days American Blacks were confined to positions of second-class citizenship by restrictive laws and customs. To break these laws would mean subjugation and humiliation by the police and the legal system. Beatings, imprisonment and sometimes death awaited those who defied the System. Martin Luther King’s tactics of protest involved non-violent resistance to racial injustice.

Using the Definite Article with Names

3. Here are some more examples of ‘the’ used with proper names. Try to say what these sentences mean. (You may consult a dictionary if you wish. Look at the entry for ‘the’.)

1. Mr. Singh regularly invites the Amitabh Bachchans and the Shah Rukh Khans to his parties.
Ans: This means that Mr Singh regularly invites famous persons such as Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan to his parties.

2. Many people think that Madhuri Dixit is the Madhubala of our times.
Ans: This sentence shows a comparison between two persons. Here, the acting skill of Madhuri Dixit is compared to the acting skill of the legendary actress Madhuwala.

3. History is not only the story of the Alexanders, the Napoleons and the Hitlers, but of ordinary people as well.
Ans: This sentence is saying that history is not only about the famous persons about whom we read in our books. Common people have also played a very significant role in making our history. But their names are not mentioned on the pages of our books. They became anonymous.

Idiomatic Expressions

Match the italicised phrases in Column A with the phrase nearest in meaning in Column B. (Hint: First look for the sentence in the text in which the phrase in Column A occurs.

AB
1. I was not unmindful of the fact(i) had not forgotten; was aware of the fact
(ii) was not careful about the fact
(iii) forgot or was not aware of the fact
2. when my comrades and I were pushed to our limits(i) pushed by the guards to the wall
(ii) took more than our share of beatings
(iii) felt that we could not endure the
suffering any longer
3. to reassure me and keep me going(i) make me go on walking
(ii) help me continue to live in hope in this very difficult situation
(iii) make me remain without complaining
4. the basic and honourable freedoms of…earning my keep,…(i) earning enough money to live on
(ii) keeping what I earned
(iii) getting a good salary

Ans:

AB
1. I was not unmindful of the fact(i) had not forgotten; was aware of the fact
2. when my comrades and I were pushed to our limits(iii) felt that we could not endure the suffering any longer
3. to reassure me and keep me going(ii) help me continue to live in hope in this very difficult situation
4. the basic and honourable freedoms of…earning my keep,…(i) earning enough money to live on

Writing

Looking at Contrasts Nelson Mandela’s writing is marked by balance: many sentences have two
parts in balance. Use the following phrases to complete the sentences given below.

(i) they can be taught to love.(iii) but the triumph over it.(v) to create such heights of
character.
(ii) I was born free.(iv) but he who conquers that fear.
  • 1. It requires such depths of oppression to create such heights of character.
  • 2. Courage was not the absence of fear but the triumph over it.
  • 3. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid but he who conquers that fear.
  • 4. If people can learn to hate, they can be taught to love.
  • 5. I was not born with a hunger to be free; I was born free.

2. This text repeatedly contrasts the past with the present or the future. We can use coordinated clauses to contrast two views, for emphasis or effect. Given below are sentences carrying one part of the contrast. Find in the text the second part of the contrast, and complete each item. Identify the words which signal the contrast. This has been done for you in the first item

1. For decades, the Union Buildings had been the seat of white supremacy,
and now … it was the site of a rainbow gathering of different colours and nations

2. Only moments before, the highest generals of the South African defence force and police … saluted me and pledged their loyalty. … not so many years before they would not have saluted – they would not have saluted but arrested me.

3. Although that day neither group knew the lyrics of the anthem …, they
would soon – neither group knew the lyrics of the anthem they once despised ……. known the chords by heart.

4. My country is rich in the minerals and gems that lie beneath its soil, I have always known that its greatest wealth is its people, finer and truer than the purest diamonds.

5. The Air Show was not only a display of pinpoint precision and military force, but a demonstration of the military’s loyalty to democracy, to a new government that had been freely and fairly elected.

6. It was this desire for the freedom of my people… that transformed a frightened young man into a bold one, that drove a law-abiding attorney to become a criminal, that turned a family-loving husband into a man without a home.

Expressing Your Opinion

Do you think there is colour prejudice in our own country? Discuss this with your friend and write a paragraph of about 100 to 150 words about this. You have the option of making your paragraph a humorous one. (Read the short verse given below.)
When you were born you were pink
When you grew up you became white
When you are in the sun you are red
When you are sick you are yellow
When you are angry you are purple
When you are shocked you are grey
And you have the cheek to call me ‘coloured’.

Yes, colour prejudice sadly still exists in our country. Some people laugh about it, while others feel hurt because of their skin tone. Many believe that white people are smarter, more knowledgeable, or more attractive than those with darker skin. This is why fairness creams are so popular in the market. When someone is born, their skin is pink. As they grow, it may turn white, then red from sunburn. When people get sick, their skin can turn yellow. When they’re angry, it can look purple, and when they’re shocked, it can turn grey. These changes show that everyone’s skin goes through different shades, none of which define a person’s worth. Some people are naturally brown, and sadly, many are mocked for this, even though they speak many languages or have amazing talents. Skin colour doesn’t define beauty, intelligence, or kindness. It’s time to stop judging people by the colour of their skin. Instead, let’s judge others by their kindness, honesty, and talents.

Related Links

CBSE 10 Notes