summary of the chapter Nelson Mandela long walk to freedom
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Short Summary:
On 10 May 1994, the inauguration ceremony of the first non-racial government was held at the amphitheatre in union buildings in Pretoria. It was a large gathering of international leaders of more than 140 countries. First Mr. de Klerk sworn-in as second deputy president, then Thabo Mbeki sworn-in as first deputy. Then Mandela sworn-in as the first black president of South Africa. Mandela spoke about decades of white supremacy and victory over apartheid, victory for justice and freedom. He said that South Africa would never again face oppression of one by another. Then there was a beautiful display of jets and South African helicopters in the sky. It showed the loyalty of the military towards the newborn democracy. Then 2 national anthems were played, the blacks were singing Die Stem and the whites were singing Nkosi-Sikelel-iAfrika. Then he told about introduction of Apartheid in South Africa, the impact of it, production of extraordinary heroes and new system of equality. He said that the greatest wealth of the country are its people not the minerals and gems. He then told about the brave Comrades who never allowed flame of struggle to be extinguished. Nelson Mandela explained about the twin obligations of every man. He finally told about how he joined the ANC Party and how he got transformed due to the realisation of the deprivation of freedom. He saws that freedpom is indivisible. He also saws that the oppressor and oppressed both should get out of the trouble both were robbed of humanity and should be liberated.
Long Summary:
It was the 10th of May, 1994. The day was bright and clear. The inauguration ceremony of the first non-racial government was held at the lovely amphitheatre in the Union Buildings in Pretoria. It was the largest gathering of international leaders on South African soil. Politicians and dignitaries from more than 140 countries attended the ceremony. First of all Mr. de Klerk was sworn-in as second Deputy President. Then Thabo Mbeki was sworn-in as the first Deputy President. Then came Mandela’s turn. He was sworn-in as the first black President of South Africa.
Mandela spoke how for decades South Africa was the seat of white supremacy. Now the presence of all people confer glory and hope to newborn liberty. The blacks who were considered as outlaws not so long ago were hosting the nations of the world on their soil. Their victory over ‘apartheid’ was a common victory for justice, peace and human dignity. Political freedom had been won. Now they would work hard to liberate their people from the bondage of poverty, deprivation and diseases. Never would South Africa again face the oppression of one by another.
Then there was a spectacular display of jets. South African jets and helicopters roared in perfect formation over them in the sky. It was also a demonstration of the military’s loyalty to democracy and to the new government. Then two national anthems were played.
Nelson Mandela was overwhelmed with a sense of history. A few years after the Anglo-Boer war, apartheid was introduced in South Africa. The society based on racial-discrimination was the harshest and most inhuman society in the world. Now a new system based on the equality of all men regardless of their colour and race has replaced the old and cruel system.
Apartheid created a deep and lasting wound in the people. The decades of exploitation and oppression of the black produced heroes like Tambo’s, Siklus and others. These black heroes were men of extraordinary courage, wisdom and generosity. The greatest wealth of South Africa was not in its minerals and diamonds but in men of such great character.
Nelson Mandela learnt the meaning of courage from such brave comrades. Courage is the victory over fear. These comrades were ready to risk and sacrifice their lives for an idea—the idea of freedom and equality. Even in the darkest prisons their hopes and faith were not broken. They never allowed the flame of struggle to be extinguished.
Nelson Mandela thought that every man has twin obligations. He has a duty towards his wife and children and an obligation to his people and country. In South Africa, it was impossible for blacks like him to fulfil both those obligations. If any black tried to live like a free human being, he was punished and isolated. He was forced to live an isolated life — away from his family. He was forced to live a life of rebellion and secrecy.
Mandela realised that not only was he deprived of freedom but his brothers and sisters were also deprived of freedom. That was why he joined the African National Congress. It was his desire for the freedom of his people and their self-respect that totally transformed him from a weak young man to a bold one. A law-abiding lawyer was forced to become an outlaw. He realised that freedom is indivisible. He knew the oppressed must be liberated. The oppressed and the oppressor alike are robbed of their humanity. Both of them must be liberated.