Summary
South Africa had a political system known as apartheid until very recently. Nelson Mandela, and his African National Congress, spent a lifetime fighting against apartheid. Mandela had to spend thirty years in prison. Finally, democratic elections were held in South Africa in 1994, and Mandela became the first black President of a new nation. The occasion being referred to in the extract is the inauguration of Nelson Mandela as the first Black President of South Africa after more than three centuries of White rule. The event took place on May 10th, 1994 at the Union Buildings amphitheatre in Pretoria.
Summary in 300 words
Apartheid is a political system that separates people according to their race. One country that had such a political system until recently in South Africa. Nelson Mandela, and his African National Congress, spent a lifetime fighting against apartheid. Mandela had to spend thirty years in prison before democratic elections were held in South Africa in 1994. As a result of these elections, Mandela became the first black President of South Africa after more than three centuries of White rule. The inauguration ceremony took place on May 10th, 1994 in the Union Buildings amphitheatre in Pretoria. The event was attended by politicians and dignitaries from more than 140 countries around the world.
During his address, Mandela spoke about the historic occasion and the significance of the day. He spoke of the need to liberate all people from the continuing bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender and other discrimination. He also assured that the sun shall never set on such a glorious human achievement and that freedom should reign. He also thanked all of the distinguished international guests for having come to take possession with the people of the country of what is, after all, a common victory for justice, peace, for human dignity.
The ceremony was followed by jubilant scenes on the streets of Pretoria, with people of all races celebrating together. More than 100,000 South African men, women and children of all races sang and danced with joy. As a symbol of the military’s loyalty to democracy and the new government, a spectacular array of South African jets, helicopters and troop carriers flew in perfect formation over the Union Buildings, which was a display of pinpoint precision and military force.
In summary, Nelson Mandela, who spent 30 years in prison, became the first black President of South Africa after more than three centuries of White rule in 1994 and the inauguration ceremony took place on May 10th, 1994 in the Union Buildings amphitheatre in Pretoria, attended by politicians and dignitaries from more than 140 countries around the world. The event was followed by jubilant celebrations throughout the country, with people of all races coming together in joy and unity. The event marked a new era of freedom, democracy and equality for all people in South Africa.
Questions and Answers
1. Where did the ceremonies take place? Can you name any public buildings in India that are made of sandstone?
The ceremonies took place in the Union Buildings amphitheatre in Pretoria, South Africa. In India, some examples of public buildings made of sandstone include the Red Fort in Delhi, the Hawa Mahal in Jaipur, and the Victoria Memorial in Kolkata.
Q2 Can you say how 10 May is an ‘autumn day’ in South Africa?
May is considered “autumn” in South Africa because it falls during the southern hemisphere’s fall season which is between April and September.
3. 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?
Mandela refers to the period of Apartheid as an “extraordinary human disaster” which was a system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination that lasted for more than three centuries in South Africa. The “glorious … human achievement” that he speaks of at the end is the end of the apartheid system and the establishment of a democratic, non-racial government in South Africa, which marked a new era of freedom, democracy and equality for all people in South Africa.
Q4 What does Mandela thank the international leaders for?
Mandela thanks the international leaders for coming to take possession with the people of South Africa of what is, after all, a common victory for justice, peace, and for human dignity.
Q5 What ideals does he set out for the future of South Africa?
Mandela sets out ideals for the future of South Africa, such as the need to liberate all people from the continuing bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender and other discrimination. He also assures that the sun shall never set on such a glorious human achievement and that freedom should reign. He also pledges to obey and uphold the Constitution and to devote himself to the well-being of the Republic and its people.
Q1 What do the military generals do? How has their attitude changed, and why?
In the passage, the highest generals of the South African defence force and police, their chests bedecked with ribbons and medals from days gone by, are mentioned as saluting Mandela and pledging their loyalty to the new government that had been freely and fairly elected. The military’s attitude has changed as they have now pledged their loyalty to the democratically elected government, instead of being loyal to the previous oppressive regime.
Q2 Why were two national anthems sung?
Two national anthems were sung, one from the previous apartheid government, and one from the newly elected government, as a symbol of the transition from the old system to the new, and of unity and reconciliation between the different races in South Africa.
Q3 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?
In the first decade of the 20th century, Mandela describes the systems of government in his country as being one of white supremacy and oppression. But, in the final decade of the 20th century, he describes it as a democratic, non-racial government.
Q4 What does courage mean to Mandela?
To Mandela, courage means standing up against oppression and fighting for what is right, despite the risks and challenges involved. He also mentions that it is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.
Q5 Which does he think is natural, to love or to hate?
Mandela believes that it is natural for people to love, not to hate. He speaks of the need for reconciliation and forgiveness, and of the importance of building a new nation based on love and understanding, rather than on hate and division.
Q1 What “twin obligations” does Mandela mention?
Mandela mentions that as a President he has a “twin obligations”, one to his people and one to the world. He mentions that he has a duty to serve his people, to protect and defend them, and to promote their welfare and well-being, and also he needs to be a leader of a nation and a representative of his people on the world stage, to advocate for peace, justice and human rights on the global level.
Q2 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”?
As a boy, being free to Mandela meant being able to walk the streets without fear of being harassed or arrested by the authorities. As a student, being free meant being able to express himself, think and learn without fear of censorship or repression. He contrasts these “transitory freedoms” with “the basic and honourable freedoms” such as freedom from poverty, freedom from hunger, freedom from discrimination, and freedom to live in dignity and security.
Q3 Does Mandela think the oppressor is free? Why/Why not?
Mandela does not think that the oppressor is free. He states that true freedom is not the ability to do as one pleases, but the ability to live in a way that is humane and dignified. He argues that the oppressor is not truly free because they are bound by the chains of hatred and fear, and that true freedom can only be achieved when all people are free, and when there is no longer any oppression or injustice.
Q1 Why did such a large number of international leaders attend the inauguration? What did it signify the triumph of?
A large number of international leaders attended the inauguration to show their support and solidarity with the people of South Africa and the new democratically elected government. It signified the triumph of democracy and human rights over oppression and racism. The end of the apartheid system and the establishment of a democratic, non-racial government in South Africa, was seen as a significant event not only for South Africa but for the world.
Q2 What does Mandela mean when he says he is “simply the sum of all those African patriots” who had gone before him?
When Mandela says he is “simply the sum of all those African patriots” who had gone before him, he means that he is standing on the shoulders of all those who fought and sacrificed for the freedom and rights of the people of South Africa. He acknowledges the contributions and sacrifices of all those who came before him and the role they played in making it possible for him to become the President.
Q3 Would you agree that the “depths of oppression” create “heights of character”? How does Mandela illustrate this? Can you add your own examples to this argument?
The argument that the “depths of oppression” create “heights of character” is debatable. It suggests that by facing and overcoming adversity, individuals can develop strength and resilience. Mandela illustrates this by sharing his own experiences of being imprisoned for 27 years and how it helped him to develop the inner strength, discipline and a sense of purpose that he needed to lead the struggle for freedom. One could argue that a person subjected to discrimination, poverty, or other forms of oppression may also develop negative characteristics like low self-esteem, feelings of hopelessness, and anger.
Q4 How did Mandela’s understanding of freedom change with age and experience?
Mandela’s understanding of freedom changed with age and experience. As a young man, his understanding of freedom was focused on the right to express himself and the right to be free from harassment and arrest. As he got older, his understanding of freedom broadened to include the right to live in dignity and security, freedom from poverty, and freedom from discrimination. His experiences as a political leader and as a prisoner helped him to understand that true freedom is not the ability to do as one pleases, but the ability to live in a way that is humane and dignified.
Q5 How did Mandela’s ‘hunger for freedom’ change his life?
Mandela’s “hunger for freedom” changed his life in many ways. It led him to become a political leader and to fight for the rights and freedom of the people of South Africa. It also led him to spend 27 years in prison, but his hunger for freedom never died, and it eventually led to the end of the apartheid system, and the establishment of a democratic, non-racial government in South Africa. His hunger for freedom also led him to become an international symbol of resistance against oppression and a symbol of hope for people all over the world who were struggling for freedom and human rights
Multiple Questions And Answers
Q1. Which country had a political system known as apartheid until recently?
a) United States of America
b) South Africa
c) Australia
Answer: b) South Africa
Q2. When did democratic elections take place in South Africa?
a) 1984
b) 1994
c) 2004
Answer: b) 1994
Q3. Who was the first Black President of South Africa after more than three centuries of White rule?
a) Thabo Mbeki
b) Nelson Mandela
c) F.W. de Klerk
Answer: b) Nelson Mandela
Q4. Where did the inauguration ceremony of Nelson Mandela take place?
a) Union Buildings amphitheatre in Pretoria
b) Red Fort in Delhi
c) Victoria Memorial in Kolkata
Answer: a) Union Buildings amphitheatre in Pretoria
Q5. What did Mandela pledge to do as the President of South Africa?
a) To obey and uphold the Constitution
b) To devote himself to the wellbeing of the Republic and its people
c) Both a) and b)
Answer: c) Both a) and b)
Q6. How long did Nelson Mandela spend in prison?
a) 20 years
b) 25 years
c) 30 years
Answer: c) 30 years
Q7. What did Mandela mean when he referred to “an extraordinary human disaster” in his speech?
a) The period of Apartheid
b) The economic crisis in South Africa
c) The war in the country
Answer: a) The period of Apartheid
Q8. What did Mandela say about the future of South Africa in his speech?
a) To liberate all people from the continuing bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender and other discrimination.
b) To continue the oppression of one by another
c) To remain in white supremacy
Answer: a) To liberate all people from the continuing bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender and other discrimination.
Q9. How did the military generals show their loyalty to the new government?
a) By pledging allegiance to the new government
b) By flying in perfect formation over the Union Buildings
c) Both a) and b)
Answer: c) Both a) and b)
Q10. What does Mandela mean when he says “I am simply the sum of all those African patriots who had gone before me”?
a) He is the only person who fought for the freedom of South Africa
b) He acknowledges the contributions and sacrifices of all those who came before him
c) He is not a leader but just a follower
Answer: b) He acknowledges the contributions and sacrifices of all those who came before him.
Q11. What did the singing of two national anthems symbolize?
a) The end of the apartheid system
b) The transition from the old system to the new
c) Both a) and b)
Answer: c) Both a) and b)
Q12. What does Mandela believe is natural for people?
a) To love
b) To hate
c) Both a) and b)
Answer: a) To love
Q13. Why did Mandela believe that the oppressor is not free?
a) Because they are bound by the chains of hatred and fear
b) Because they have a lot of power
c) Because they are not happy
Answer: a) Because they are bound by the chains of hatred and fear
Q14. What did being free mean to Mandela as a boy?
a) To walk the streets without fear of being harassed or arrested
b) To live in a big house
c) To have a lot of money
Answer: a) To walk the streets without fear of being harassed or arrested
Q15. What did being free mean to Mandela as a student?
a) To express himself
b) To travel around the world
c) To live in a big house
Answer: a) To express himself
Q16. How many countries sent dignitaries and politicians to the inauguration ceremony of Nelson Mandela?
a) 40
b) 140
c) 240
Answer: b) 140
Q17. What did Mandela pledge to do as the President of South Africa?
a) To obey and uphold the Constitution
b) To promote the welfare and wellbeing of the people
c) Both a) and b)
Answer: c) Both a) and b)
Q18. Why did Mandela believe that true freedom is not the ability to do as one pleases?
a) Because it is inhumane
b) Because it is not dignified
c) Both a) and b)
Answer: c) Both a) and b)
Q19. What was the main achievement of Nelson Mandela as a President?
a) The end of the apartheid system
b) The establishment of a democratic, non-racial government
c) Both a) and b)
Answer: c) Both a) and b)
Q20. What was the main purpose of the speech of Nelson Mandela?
a) To thank the international leaders
b) To pledge his obligations as President
c) Both a) and b)
Answer: c) Both a) and b)
Q21. How did Mandela’s understanding of freedom change over time?
a) It remained the same
b) It broadened
c) It narrowed
Answer: b) It broadened
Q22. What did Mandela mean by “the twin obligations” as President?
a) Obligations to his people and to the world
b) Obligations to his family and friends
c) Obligations to his political party
Answer: a) Obligations to his people and to the world
Q23. What did Mandela mean by “the heights of character”?
a) The ability to face and overcome adversity
b) The ability to be successful and rich
c) The ability to be famous
Answer: a) The ability to face and overcome adversity
Q24. What did the military’s display of precision and force signify?
a) The military’s loyalty to democracy
b) The military’s strength
c) The military’s readiness for war
Answer: a) The military’s loyalty to democracy
Q25. How did Mandela’s “hunger for freedom” change his life?
a) It led him to become a political leader
b) It led him to become wealthy
c) It led him to become famous
Answer: a) It led him to become a political leader
Q26. What did Mandela believe is the key to reconciliation and forgiveness in South Africa?
a) Love and understanding
b) Hate and division
c) Wealth and power
Answer: a) Love and understanding
Q27. Who did Mandela pledge to serve as President?
a) His people
b) His political party
c) His friends and family
Answer: a) His people
Prose passage with answers
“Never, never again will this beautiful land experience the oppression of one by another,” said Nelson Mandela in his address at the inauguration ceremony of South Africa’s first democratic, non-racial government. The ceremony took place in the Union Buildings amphitheatre in Pretoria, a site that had previously been the seat of white supremacy. Mandela, who had spent 27 years in prison, was now the President of a new nation, and his speech was filled with hope and a sense of new beginnings. He thanked the international leaders for attending the ceremony and for showing their support for the new government. He also acknowledged the contributions and sacrifices of those who had gone before him in the struggle for freedom and rights.
Multiple Question And Answers;
Q1. Where did the inauguration ceremony of Nelson Mandela take place?
a) Union Buildings amphitheatre in Pretoria
b) Red Fort in Delhi
c) Victoria Memorial in Kolkata
Answer: a) Union Buildings amphitheatre in Pretoria
Q2. What did Mandela say in his address at the inauguration ceremony?
a) “Never, never again will this beautiful land experience the oppression of one by another.”
b) “We will continue the oppression of one by another.”
c) “We will remain in white supremacy.”
Answer: a) “Never, never again will this beautiful land experience the oppression of one by another.”
Q3. Who did Mandela thank in his speech?
a) The international leaders
b) His family and friends
c) His political party
Answer: a) The international leaders
Q4. Who did Mandela acknowledge in his speech?
a) Those who fought and sacrificed for the freedom and rights of the people of South Africa
b) His family and friends
c) His political party
Answer: a) Those who fought and sacrificed for the freedom and rights of the people of South Africa
Q5. What was the main theme of Mandela’s speech?
a) Hope and new beginnings
b) Regret and sorrow
c) Anger and frustration
Answer: a) Hope and new beginnings
Prose Passage:
“On that lovely autumn day I was accompanied by my daughter Zenani. On the podium, Mr de Klerk was first sworn in as second deputy president. Then Thabo Mbeki was sworn in as first deputy president. When it was my turn, I pledged to obey and uphold the Constitution and to devote myself to the wellbeing of the Republic and its people. To the assembled guests and the watching world, I said: Today, all of us do, by our presence here… confer glory and hope to newborn liberty. Out of the experience of an extraordinary human disaster that lasted too long, must be born a society of which all humanity will be proud. We, who were outlaws not so long ago, have today been given the rare privilege to be host to the nations of the world on our own soil. We thank all of our distinguished international guests for having come to take possession with the people of our country of what is, after all, a common victory for justice, for peace, for human dignity.”
MCQ Questions And Answers:
Q1. Who was sworn in as the second deputy president before Nelson Mandela?
a) Thabo Mbeki
b) F.W. de Klerk
c) Both a) and b)
Answer: b) F.W. de Klerk
Q2. What did Nelson Mandela pledge to do as President?
a) To obey and uphold the Constitution
b) To devote himself to the wellbeing of the Republic and its people
c) Both a) and b)
Answer: c) Both a) and b)
Q3. What did Mandela say about the society that must be born out of the experience of apartheid?
a) A society of which all humanity will be proud
b) A society of which only South Africa will be proud
c) A society that will be a failure
Answer: a) A society of which all humanity will be proud
Q4. Who were Nelson Mandela and his fellow freedom fighters referred to as “not so long ago”?
a) Outlaws
b) Criminals
c) Terrorists
Answer: a) Outlaws
Q5. What did Mandela say the inauguration was a victory for?
a) Justice
b) Peace
c) Both a) and b)
Answer: c) Both a) and b)
Prose Passage:
“The inauguration ceremony took place in the Union Buildings amphitheatre in Pretoria, attended by politicians and dignitaries from more than 140 countries around the world. It was the largest gathering ever of international leaders on South African soil. The Union Buildings, which had been the seat of white supremacy for decades, now served as the site of a rainbow gathering of different colours and nations for the installation of South Africa’s first democratic, non-racial government. On that lovely autumn day, I was accompanied by my daughter Zenani. On the podium, Mr. de Klerk was first sworn in as second deputy president. Then Thabo Mbeki was sworn in as first deputy president. When it was my turn, I pledged to obey and uphold the Constitution and to devote myself to the wellbeing of the Republic and its people. To the assembled guests and the watching world, I said: Today, all of us do, by our presence here… confer glory and hope to newborn liberty. Out of the experience of an extraordinary human disaster that lasted too long, must be born a society of which all humanity will be proud.”
Multiple Choice Questions:
Q1. Where did the inauguration ceremony of Nelson Mandela take place?
a) Union Buildings amphitheatre in Pretoria
b) Red Fort in Delhi
c) Victoria Memorial in Kolkata
Answer: a) Union Buildings amphitheatre in Pretoria
Q2. How many countries sent dignitaries and politicians to the inauguration ceremony of Nelson Mandela?
a) 40
b) 140
c) 240
Answer: b) 140
Q3. Who was sworn in as the second deputy president before Nelson Mandela?
a) Thabo Mbeki
b) F.W. de Klerk
c) Nelson Mandela
Answer: b) F.W. de Klerk
Q4. What did Mandela pledge to do as the President of South Africa?
a) To obey and uphold the Constitution
b) To promote the welfare and wellbeing of the people
c) Both a) and b)
Answer: c) Both a) and b)
Q5. What did Mandela say about the future of South Africa in his speech?
a) To liberate all people from the continuing bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender and other discrimination.
b) To continue the oppression of one by another
c) To remain in white supremacy
Answer: a) To liberate all people from the continuing bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender and other discrimination.
Difficult words meaning
- Amphitheatre – an open-air structure with rows of seats on tiered levels, used for public events such as concerts, plays, and sports.
- Dignitaries – a person of rank, status, or importance, especially in the government or a particular profession.
- Saluted – to pay respect or honor to someone by raising and lowering the hand or a weapon in a ceremonious way.
- Pledges – a formal promise or undertaking to do something.
- Emancipation – the process of being set free from legal, social, or political restrictions; liberation.
- Outlaws – a person who has committed a crime or is outside the law; a criminal.
- Oppression – the state of being subject to unjust treatment or control.
- Sovereignty – supreme power or authority.
- Transcendent – surpassing usual limits; exceptional.
- Reconciliation – the restoration of friendly relations; the process of resolving a conflict.
- Inauguration – the formal ceremony marking the beginning of a new term of office for a public official, typically a president.
- Rainbow – an arch of colors that appears in the sky when light is refracted and dispersed by water droplets in the atmosphere.
- Assembly – a gathering of people for a common purpose, such as a meeting or a protest.
- Pledges – a formal promise or undertaking to do something.
- Constitution – the set of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state or other organization is acknowledged to be governed.
- Republic – a state in which supreme power is held by the people and their elected representatives, and which has an elected or nominated president rather than a monarch.
- Oppression – the state of being subject to unjust treatment or control.
- Discrimination – the unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people, especially on the grounds of race, age, or sex.
- Gender – the state of being male or female (typically used with reference to social and cultural differences rather than biological ones).
- Dignitaries – a person of rank, status, or importance, especially in the government or a particular profession.
- Emancipation – the process of being set free from legal, social, or political restrictions; liberation.
- Outlaws – a person who has committed a crime or is outside the law; a criminal.
- Sovereignty – supreme power or authority.
- Transcendent – surpassing usual limits; exceptional.
- Reconciliation – the restoration of friendly relations; the process of resolving a conflict.
- Amphitheater – an open-air structure with rows of seats on tiered levels, used for public events such as concerts, plays, and sports.
- Saluted – to pay respect or honor to someone by raising and lowering the hand or a weapon in a ceremonious way.
- Pledges – a formal promise or undertaking to do something.
- Inauguration – the formal ceremony marking the beginning of a new term of office for a public official, typically a president.
- Rainbow – an arch of colors that appears in the sky when light is refracted and dispersed by water droplets in the atmosphere.