Nelson Mandela Class 10 Summary: The First Black President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, wrote this chapter in his autobiography. The formal installation of South Africa’s first democratic government marks the beginning of the process. That reveals what Mandela thought about freedom. Also included is Mandela’s early years. Teenage years spent in jail and his struggle for freedom. Also, it highlights the contributions of other freedorn soldiers from his country.
Nelson Mandela Class 10 Summary
Installation of the First Democratic Government of South Africa
The first democratic, non-racial government of South Africa was enacted on May 10, 1994. At Pertoria, where many global leaders had assembled, the installation ceremony was held on a sandstone ampitheatre created by the Union structures.
Zenani, Nelson Mandela’s daughter, had attended the event with him. Initially, Thabo Mbeki and Mr. De Klerk were sworn in as the first and second vice presidents, respectively. Upon their swearing-in as the leader of a free South Africa, Mandela, He promised to protect the constitution, obey it, and put the needs of the people first.
Mandela Addresses the Guests
Mandela addressed the visitors after taking the oath. He committed to building a civilization that would make all of mankind proud. He expressed his gratitude to the world leaders for attending the event, which symbolised a shared triumph for justice, peace, and human dignity. He pledged to work to eradicate all forms of injustice, poverty, misery, and discrimination from society. Also, he pledged that everyone will experience freedom, equality, and optimism in the new society.
Display of the Military Power by South African Jets
The military might of South Africa was on show as Mandela took the oath. It also demonstrated the military’s commitment to democracy. The top generals in the military honoured him. He recalled how they would have detained him years before. The playing of both national anthems came after it. The event came to a close when the blacks and whites sung the new song “Die Stem” and the old song “Nkosi Skelel,” respectively.
Apartheid and South Africa
Nelson Mandela thinks back on a time in history that will eventually be remembered for the racial domination system that white people established against black people. It served as the foundation for the harsh societies that are now discredited. He claims that the apartheid (racial segregation) regime left a serious and long-lasting trauma on his nation and its people. The system in place now recognises the freedom and rights of every individual.
Mandela Recalls the Sacrifices of Freedom Fighters
Mandela lamented the deaths of thousands of individuals on this auspicious day and thought of the sacrifices they made so that everyone may live in freedom from prejudice. He viewed himself as the culmination of all of the African patriots who had given their lives in sacrifice before him. That he couldn’t express gratitude to them hurt him.
He recalled notable liberation warriors like Oliver Tambos, Walter Sisulu, Chief Luthuli, Yusuf Dadoo, and others who shown extraordinary bravery, generosity, and knowledge. Mandela learned from these liberation warriors that courage is not the absence of fear but rather the triumph over that dread. Mandela thought that the true riches of the nation lay in its liberation warriors.
Man’s Natural Goodness
According to Mandela, race has nothing to do with one’s kindness or greatness. Nobody hates other individuals because of their race or religion from birth. Individuals should be attracted to one another organically, not by coercion.
Twin Obligations of Man
According to Mandela, every man has two responsibilities: one is to his family and the other is to his country.
He thought that any man might achieve both of these in a peaceful and humane society. Yet a black man who was also born in South Africa cannot satisfy both requirements. Mandela was separated from his family so that he might serve his country. He was never able to fulfil his duties to his family as a result.
Mandela’s Concept of Freedom
For Mandela as a youngster, freedom meant having the freedom to do anything he pleased. He was liberated in every sense as long as he followed his father’s instructions and the laws of his tribe.
He want his own privacy as a student. Then, as a young man in Johannesburg, he desired the freedom to follow his aspirations, start a family, and make his own money, among other things.
He began to understand as he got older that the freedom he had as a youngster was really a fantasy.
Mandela Joins African National Congress
Mandela became aware of the absence of freedom in his whole community, including himself. He then joined the African National Congress in an effort to provide his community independence, respect, and dignity.
His entire life was altered by the quest for universal human freedom. He changed from a timid young guy to a brave one, which made him go from being a law-abiding citizen to a criminal. He understood that freedom cannot be divided.
Mandela’s Realisation
Mandela came to the realisation that while his community was not free, he could not enjoy his freedom. He also understood that the oppressor (tortured) is not free, just like the oppressed (torturer).
The victim of oppression is a prisoner of prejudice, xenophobia, and intolerance. Consequently, humanity is stolen from both the oppressor and the victim. They both need to be let free.
Conclusion Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
A extraordinary leader named Nelson Mandela oversaw South Africa’s end to apartheid after a protracted conflict with the National Party. Regardless of ethnicity, he committed himself to achieving equal rights and followed his objectives despite the unstable and unsettling surroundings. A democratic society “in which all individuals live together in harmony and with equal possibilities” is one of Mandela’s signature principles, which he has long espoused via nonviolent demonstrations. Mandela persuaded the ANC leadership to employ force when nonviolent methods failed, and he served as the commander of the ANC’s army, Spear of the Nation.
Despite Mandela’s attempts to uphold equality and constitutional liberties, South Africa nevertheless confronts several difficulties today. In comparison to other nations, South Africa has a high rate of homicide, assault, rape, and other crimes. With more than 62,649 instances registered in 2013–2014, South Africa is frequently referred to as the “rape capital of the world”. Inequalities and racism persist, and South Africa has the second-highest number of HIV/Aids infections in the world. The bulk of farmland in South Africa is still controlled by white people, and many people there are impoverished and unemployed. It is clear that South Africa has not quite recovered its mixed identity.