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Nelson Mandela - Long Walk To Freedom
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?
(i) In the first decade, the white-skinned people of South Africa practised racism that gave rise to a system of racial domination against the dark-skinned people living there. The system formed the basis of one of the harshest, most inhumane societies the world had ever known.
(ii) In the last decade of the twentieth century, the previous system had been overturned forever and replaced by one that recognized the rights and freedoms of all peoples, regardless of the colour of their skin.
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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?
What ideals does he set out for the future of South Africa?
What does courage mean to Mandela?
Which does he think is natural, to love or to hate?
What “twin obligations” does Mandela mention?
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”?
Does Mandela think the oppressor is free? Why/Why not?
Why did such a large number of international leaders attend the inauguration? What did it signify the triumph of?
What does Mandela mean when he says he is “simply the sum of all those African patriots” who had gone before him?
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