📘 Chapter: Nelson Mandela – Long Walk to Freedom
Class 10 English – First Flight Book
About the Chapter
This chapter is an extract from Nelson Mandela's autobiography "Long Walk to
Freedom".
It tells the story of South Africa’s struggle against apartheid and Mandela’s
journey from a common man to a national hero and global symbol of peace and
freedom.
About Nelson Mandela
Full Name: Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela
Born: 18 July 1918
Died: 5 December 2013
Famous for:
Leading the anti-apartheid movement
Spending 27 years in prison
Becoming South Africa’s first Black President in 1994
Winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993
📅 Setting of the Chapter
Date of Event: 10 May 1994
Place: Union Buildings, Pretoria, South Africa
Occasion: Mandela’s inauguration as the first democratically elected President
of South Africa
Significance: It marked the official end of apartheid and beginning of a new
democratic era.
📖 Summary of the Chapter
🔹 The Inauguration Day
Mandela describes the historic day when he took the oath as President.
The event was witnessed by international leaders as well as people from across
South Africa.
It was a proud moment for the country, which had long suffered under the rule
of racism and discrimination.
🔹 Tribute to the Freedom Fighters
Mandela paid respect to the brave heroes of South Africa who sacrificed their
lives fighting for freedom.
He said he was just one among many, and the real credit belonged to those who
had fought before him.
🔹 Apartheid and Its Effects
Mandela describes the cruelty of apartheid, where Black people were denied
basic rights.
They could not vote, own land, or live with dignity.
The laws were made to favor the White population.
🔹 Meaning of Freedom
At first, Mandela thought freedom meant being able to live and do what he
liked.
But over time, he understood that real freedom means the right to live with
dignity, equality, and justice.
He said, “Freedom is indivisible. The chains on any one of my people were the
chains on all of them.”
🔹 The Oppressor and the Oppressed
Mandela believed both the oppressed (victims) and the oppressors (racists)
needed to be freed.
Hatred also enslaves those who hate.
✍️ Important Quotes and Their Meanings
“I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society...”
➤ Mandela’s dream was of a society where everyone had equal rights and freedom.
“The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that
fear.”
➤ True courage means facing fear and rising above it.
“No one is born hating another person... People must learn to hate, and if they
can learn to hate, they can be taught to love.”
➤ Hatred is not natural. Love and understanding can be taught.
🔍 Character of Nelson Mandela
Brave and determined: Fought for justice even at the cost of his own freedom.
Forgiving: Did not seek revenge after becoming President.
Visionary leader: Believed in democracy, unity, and peace.
Humble: Acknowledged the sacrifices of others.
💡 Themes in the Chapter
Freedom and Democracy: The core idea of the chapter is to celebrate the
achievement of political freedom.
Racial Equality: The story is about the end of apartheid and beginning of equal
treatment.
Sacrifice and Struggle: Freedom comes with a price, and many suffered and died
for it.
Courage and Forgiveness: Even after being jailed for 27 years, Mandela believed
in peace, not revenge.
📝 Vocabulary / Word Meanings
Word Meaning
Apartheid Racial segregation (legal separation of races)
Liberty Freedom
Patriot A person who loves their country
Oppression Cruel and unfair treatment
Inauguration Formal beginning or swearing-in ceremony
Dignity The state of being respected
Glorious Wonderful or honorable
Depths The deepest part
Resilience The ability to recover or come back stronger
🎯 Message of the Chapter
True freedom means equality for all.
Peace and unity are stronger than hate and violence.
We must remember and respect the sacrifices of those who fought for our rights.
❓ Possible Exam Questions
What does Mandela mean by “Long Walk to Freedom”?
Describe the significance of 10 May 1994 in South African history.
What are Mandela’s views on courage and fear?
Why does Mandela say both the oppressor and the oppressed are not free?
