Chapter 2 Nelson Mandela : Long Walk to Freedom

Oral Comprehension Check (Page 18–19)

Q1. Where did the ceremonies take place? Name any buildings in India made of sandstone.
The ceremony took place at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, where many important leaders and guests had gathered. In India, famous buildings like Rashtrapati Bhavan and Red Fort are made of red sandstone.

Q2. Why is 10th May an ‘autumn day’ in South Africa?
South Africa lies in the Southern Hemisphere. So, when it is summer in India, it is winter or autumn there. Therefore, the month of May falls in the autumn season in South Africa.

Q3. What does “extraordinary human disaster” mean? What is the “glorious human achievement”?
Nelson Mandela refers to apartheid as an “extraordinary human disaster.” In this system, black people were treated unfairly and denied basic rights. The “glorious human achievement” is the end of apartheid and the establishment of a democratic government where all people are equal.

Q4. Why does Mandela thank international leaders?
Mandela thanks the international leaders for coming to attend the ceremony. Their presence showed support and respect for South Africa’s freedom. It also showed that the country was now accepted by the world as a free and democratic nation.

Q5. What ideals did Mandela set for South Africa?
Mandela wanted a country where all people could live freely and equally. He dreamed of a nation without discrimination, where everyone would have equal rights and opportunities regardless of race or gender.

Page 21

Q1. What did the military generals do? Why did their attitude change?
The military generals saluted Mandela and promised to serve the new government. Earlier, they supported apartheid and would have arrested him. Their attitude changed because the country had gained freedom and people’s thinking had improved.

Q2. Why were two national anthems sung?
Two national anthems were sung to show unity between black and white people. It was a symbol of equality and respect for both communities in the new South Africa.

Q3. How does Mandela describe the government?
(i) In the early part of the 20th century, the government was unfair and based on racial discrimination. Black people had no rights.
(ii) In the later part, this system ended and a democratic government was formed, giving equal rights and freedom to all.

Q4. What does courage mean to Mandela?
According to Mandela, courage does not mean being fearless. It means facing fear and overcoming it. A brave person controls fear instead of running away from it.

Q5. What is more natural: love or hate?
Mandela believes that love is natural for human beings. Hate is something that is learned, so people can also be taught to love.

Page 24

Q1. What are “twin obligations”?
Mandela says that every person has two duties. One duty is towards family, like parents, wife, and children. The other duty is towards society, community, and the country.

Q2. What did freedom mean to Mandela as a boy and as a student?
As a boy, freedom meant playing, running, and enjoying life without worries. As he grew older, he understood that real freedom means having rights, respect, and the ability to live with dignity.

Q3. Is the oppressor free? Why?
Mandela says that the oppressor is not free. He is trapped in hatred and narrow thinking. Such a person loses kindness and humanity, so he is not truly free.

Thinking About the Text

Q1. Why did many leaders attend the inauguration? What did it show?
Many international leaders attended the ceremony to show their support for South Africa. It showed the victory of justice, equality, and peace over injustice and discrimination.

Q2. What does Mandela mean by “sum of all African patriots”?
Mandela means that his success is because of all the freedom fighters before him. He respects their sacrifices and believes that their efforts made it possible for him to lead the country.