This extract from Nelson Mandela’s autobiography describes the historic day in 1994 when he was sworn in as the first black President of a democratic South Africa, ending centuries of white minority rule and the system of apartheid. Mandela reflects on the long and painful struggle against racial oppression and pays tribute to the countless heroes, known and unknown, who sacrificed their lives for freedom. He speaks of the twin obligations every person has — to family and to people — and how apartheid made it impossible to fulfil both. Mandela argues that no one is born hating another because of skin colour; hatred is learned, and so love can be taught instead. He defines true courage not as the absence of fear but as the triumph over it, and concludes that a free society must liberate both the oppressed and the oppressor, for a man who takes away another’s freedom is himself a prisoner of hatred.
The story in 6 beats
1Mandela recalls the bright day when South Africa celebrates its first democratic government and he takes oath as President.
2He watches world leaders attend the ceremony and feels proud that people of many races now share freedom.
3He remembers the long years of apartheid and honours the many brave men and women who suffer and sacrifice.
4He says every person has duties to family and country, but apartheid cruelly blocks these natural obligations.
5Mandela reflects that courage means winning over fear, and prison teaches him the real value of freedom.
6He ends by saying hatred is learned, love can be taught, and both oppressor and oppressed need liberation.
Apartheid and the struggle for freedomMandela’s philosophy of courageTwin obligations to family and peopleSacrifice of freedom fightersLiberating the oppressed and the oppressor
Characters & key ideas
NNelson MandelaThe freedom fighter who became South Africa’s first black President.
AApartheidThe cruel system of racial segregation in South Africa.
CCourageDefined as the triumph over fear, not its absence.
IInaugurationThe ceremony at which Mandela was sworn in as President in 1994.
FFreedomThe right Mandela fought for, for both the oppressed and the oppressor.
TTwin obligationsA person’s duties to family and to society.
Word meanings · शब्दार्थ
apartheid
racial separation system in South Africa
amphitheatre
open circular place for events
spectacular
very impressive and beautiful
besieged
surrounded by troubles or enemies
pledged
made a serious promise
emancipation
the act of setting free
deprivation
lack of basic needs
curtailed
reduced or cut short
illusion
false idea or belief
oppressor
person who treats others cruelly
Extra questions & answers (board-style)
Before You Read
Activity: Matching Expressions with Meanings
Oral Comprehension Check I
Oral Comprehension Check II
Oral Comprehension Check III
Thinking about the Text
Thinking about Language I: Noun and Verb Forms
Thinking about Language II: Using the Definite Article with Names
Thinking about Language III: Idiomatic Expressions
Speaking
Writing I: Looking at Contrasts
Writing II: Contrasting Past with Present or Future
Writing III: Expressing Your Opinion
What You Can Do
Homophones and Similar Spellings
A Tiger in the Zoo: Introductory Reading Task
Thinking about the Poem: A Tiger in the Zoo
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The extract describes Mandela becoming South Africa’s first:
Flashcards & interactive practice
Practice quiz · Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
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