NCERT MCQ Solutions for Class 10 English First Flight Chapter 2 Nelson Mandela Long Walk to Freedom

Nelson Mandela’s inauguration as South Africa’s first black president in 1994 after the first democratic elections, ending decades of apartheid and white minority rule in the country.

The inauguration ceremony was held in the sandstone amphitheatre of the Union Buildings in Pretoria, which was symbolic because it had previously been the seat of white supremacy.

Nelson Mandela became the first black president of South Africa after the country’s first democratic elections, marking a significant victory over apartheid and racial discrimination.

Nelson Mandela spent thirty years in prison due to his relentless fight against apartheid and his commitment to achieving equality and freedom for all South Africans.

Mandela calls the decades of racial oppression under apartheid “an extraordinary human disaster,” emphasizing the suffering and injustice endured by black South Africans before the dawn of democracy.

At the inauguration, Thabo Mbeki was sworn in as first deputy president and F. W. de Klerk as second deputy president, reflecting the transition to inclusive governance.

Both the old anthem (Die Stem) and the new anthem (Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika) were sung, symbolizing the unity and reconciliation of the new South Africa.

The Impala jets left a smoke trail in the colors of the new South African flag, representing the new national unity and democracy established that day.

Mandela states that, although South Africa is rich in minerals, its greatest wealth is its people, whose courage, wisdom and character brought about freedom and democracy.

Mandela explains that he learned true courage from other freedom fighters, seeing men and women risk and give their lives for an idea, inspiring him to conquer his own fears.

Mandela believes courage is not the absence of fear but the ability to conquer it, which he learned from witnessing the resilience and bravery of those who fought for freedom.

Mandela asserts that people are not born hating others; rather, they learn to hate. If they can learn to hate, they can also be taught to love, as love comes more naturally to the human heart.

Mandela describes that every man has twin obligations: one to his family and the other to his people and country. Apartheid made it nearly impossible for black South Africans to fulfill both.

Mandela’s understanding of freedom evolved from personal desires to the belief that true freedom cannot exist unless all his people are free, leading him to dedicate his life to the struggle.

The policy of apartheid caused profound pain and suffering among the people of South Africa, a wound that would take generations to heal even after the end of white rule.

Mandela thanks all the international guests and leaders for attending the inauguration, recognizing the occasion as a victory not just for South Africa but for justice and humanity worldwide.

The Union Buildings, where the inauguration was held, had long been a symbol of white rule and racial superiority, making the democratic ceremony there all the more significant.

Mandela asserts that both the oppressed and the oppressor are deprived of their humanity by an unjust system, emphasizing the moral need for liberation of all.

Mandela remembers his childhood as being “born free” until he realized, as he grew up, that his and his people’s freedom was an illusion under apartheid.

The chapter focuses on the long and difficult journey towards justice, equality and liberty for all South Africans, led by Mandela and his companions in the anti-apartheid movement.