Question

What Mandela means when he says he is “simply the sum of all those African patriots” who had gone before him?​

Answer 1

he is showing his respect and paying tribute to the people who fought bravely for the sake of freedom and even sacrificed their lives. He says that he's grateful to all the brave men and women

Answer 2

Answer:

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 against discrimination and injustice. He thanks them and wishes them to be alive to watch these.