NELSON MANDELA Flashcards
What were Nelson’s vows?
He pledged to obey and uphold the constitution and to devote himself to the wellbeing of the Republic and its people.
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 lovely sandstone amphitheatre formed by the Union Buildings in Pretoria, which were attended by world leaders of several nations. In India, the Rashtrapati Bhavan and Red Fort are two public buildings that are made of red sandstone.
Can you say how 10 May is an ‘autumn day’ in South Africa?
Generally, autumn season signifies the harvest season that is associated with abundance and prosperity. 10 May is an ‘autumn day’ in South Africa because on this auspicious day, the installation of South Africa’s first democratic, non-racial government took place in the presence of the largest gathering ever of international leaders on the South African soil.
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?
In Mandela’s speech ‘an extraordinary human disaster’, he wanted to express the practice of Apartheid in South Africa. During this practice, there was a racial segregation of people based on colour and the Black people suffered the most as they were discriminated by the rest. They could not enjoy the right to freedom and were considered to be outlaws. He became the first Black President of South Africa where the Blacks were deprived of basic needs and suffered different kinds of discrimination and were treated badly.
What does Mandela thank the international leaders for?
Mandela felt extremely privileged to welcome the dignitaries and international leaders at the vowing in ceremony because it was not too long ago when the South Africans were considered outlaws. He therefore, thanked all of them for having come from far and wide to witness the historical oath-taking ceremony of the first Black President of South Africa. This event could be considered as a common victory for justice, peace and human dignity.
What ideals does he set out for the future of South Africa?
Mandela set the ideals of liberating the people of South Africa from the continuing bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender and other discrimination. He wanted the people of the country to enjoy the right to freedom from all forms of bondage and prejudice.
Prominent names in the struggle against apartheid: -
- Oliver Tambo - Yusuf Dadoo
- Walter Sishu - Bram Fischer
- Chief Luthuli - Robert Sobukwe
Why were two national anthems sung?
On the auspicious occasion of the inauguration ceremony, two national anthems were sung – the Whites sang ‘Nkosi Sikelel –iAfrika’ and the Blacks sang ‘Die Stem’ that was the old anthem of the Republic. Both the anthems symbolized the equality of rights between Whites and Blacks
What does courage mean to Mandela?
According to Mandela, courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. A brave man is not one who does not feel afraid, but one who conquers that fear.
What do the military generals do? How has their attitude changed and why?
The highest military generals of South African defence force and police saluted and pledged their loyalty to Mandela. This was of great significance as otherwise during the Apartheid era they would have arrested him and put him behind bars. Their attitude changed towards Blacks due to the struggles and sacrifices that were put in by many heroes of South Africa.
What “twin obligations” does Mandela mention?
In life, every man has twin obligations — obligations to his family, to his parents, to his wife and children; and he has an obligation to his people, his community, his country
Does Mandela think the oppressor is free? Why/Why not?
Mandela does not feel that the oppressor is free because in his opinion, an oppressor is like a victim of hatred who is locked behind the bars of prejudice and narrow-mindedness. He perceives that both the oppressor and the oppressed are robbed of their humanity and peace of mind.
How did Mandela’s ‘hunger for freedom’ change his life?
During his youth, Mandela realised that it was not just his freedom alone that was being curtailed, but the freedom of all Black people. The hunger for his own freedom became the hunger for freedom for all his fellow brothers and sisters. Mandela sacrificed the comforts of a settled family life to fight for the freedom of his countrymen. He joined the African National Congress when he realized that it was not only his freedom but everyone’s freedom was taken away and this changed his perspective from a frightened young man into a fearless person who fought against racial prejudice and colour discrimination.
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?
i) In the first decade of the twentieth century, the white-skinned people of South Africa patched up their differences and erected a system of racial domination against the dark-skinned peoples of their own land. This created the basis of one of the harshest, most inhumane, societies the world has ever seen or known.
(ii) In the final decade of the twentieth century, the previous system of government had been overturned forever and replaced by one that recognised the rights and freedoms of all peoples, regardless of the colour of their skin.
