Question

What does Mandela mean when he says he is simply the sum of all the African patriots

Answer 1

Answer:- When Mandela says that he was ‘simply the sum of all African patriots,’ he means that he could identify with the unimaginable sacrifices of all those noble and courageous men who fought for the collective freedom of the African people. He was pained that he could not thank them and that they could not see what their sacrifices had wrought.

Answer 2

On the occasion of the inauguration, Mandela wants to pay his tribute to all three patriots who has sacrificed their lives for the freedom struggle of south Africa. He feels their contribution has paved the way for the formation of the first democratically elected government which has brought about an end to discrimination and oppression of the blacks by the white rulers. It was their efforts due to which he was able to get the support of his fellow countrymen and the international community. Had it not been for them, he would not have become the first black president of South Africa.