Question

What does Mandela mean when he says the he is simply the sum of all those African patriots who had gone before him?

Answer 1

By saying that he is simply the sum of all those African patriots, Mandela wants to pay his tribute to all the people who have sacrificed their lives for the sake of freedom. ... It is only through their struggles and sacrifice that Mandela could become the President and put an end to the system of apartheid.

Answer 2

Mandela calls himself “simply the sum of all those . African patriots” who had gone before him. He gives the credit of him standing on that particular point because of them. He says that their sacrifices and courage had paved the way for him. Mandela becoming the president of South Africa is the result of the collective struggle