Summary
Chapter 2 of the Class 10 English NCERT textbook (First Flight), 'Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom', is an excerpt from Mandela's autobiography describing his inauguration as South Africa's first Black President on 10 May 1994, and his reflections on freedom, courage and the triumph over apartheid's oppression.
- The inauguration (10 May 1994) — At the Union Buildings in Pretoria — once the seat of white supremacy — Mandela is sworn in as South Africa's first Black president before dignitaries from over 140 nations.
- The end of apartheid — Mandela describes overcoming 'an extraordinary human disaster' and vows that never again will one group oppress another in that land.
- Freedom beyond politics — He argues that political emancipation is incomplete without freedom from poverty and discrimination, insisting that 'freedom is indivisible'.
- Sacrifice and courage — Honouring fighters like Oliver Tambo and Walter Sisulu, Mandela reflects that courage is not the absence of fear but the triumph over it, and that love comes more naturally than hate.
Key points & formulas
- 01Nelson Mandela becomes South Africa's first Black President (May 10, 1994)
- 02Union Buildings in Pretoria transformed from 'seat of white supremacy' to site of 'rainbow gathering of different colours and nations'
- 03Mandela's address: 'Never, never, and never again shall it be that this beautiful land will again experience the oppression of one by another'
- 04Apartheid: political system separating people according to race
- 05Key anti-apartheid leaders: Oliver Tambo, Walter Sisulu, Chief Luthuli, Yusuf Dadoo, Bram Fischer, Robert Sobukwe
- 06Mandela's philosophy of courage: 'not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it'
- 07'Freedom is indivisible' — oppression of any person is oppression of all
Frequently asked questions
01What is the Nelson Mandela Long Walk to Freedom chapter about?
It's an excerpt from Mandela's autobiography describing his inauguration as South Africa's first Black President on May 10, 1994, at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. Mandela reflects on freedom, courage, and the end of apartheid.
02What is apartheid?
Apartheid is a political system that separates people according to their race. South Africa had this system until democratic elections in 1994.
03When was Mandela's inauguration held?
Mandela's inauguration took place on May 10, 1994, at the Union Buildings amphitheatre in Pretoria, South Africa.
04Who attended Mandela's inauguration ceremony?
Politicians and dignitaries from more than 140 countries attended. More than 100,000 South African men, women, and children of all races celebrated together.
05What does Mandela say about the Union Buildings?
For decades it had been 'the seat of white supremacy,' but on inauguration day it became 'the site of a rainbow gathering of different colours and nations for the installation of South Africa's first democratic, non-racial government.'
06What is the 'extraordinary human disaster' Mandela mentions?
He refers to apartheid and the centuries of racial oppression in South Africa that caused deep and lasting wounds to his country and people.
07What courage means to Mandela?
Mandela says, 'Courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.'
08Who are some of the anti-apartheid leaders Mandela mentions?
He names Oliver Tambo, Walter Sisulu, Chief Luthuli, Yusuf Dadoo, Bram Fischer, and Robert Sobukwe as men of 'extraordinary courage, wisdom and generosity.'
09What does Mandela say about hate and love?
He says, 'No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin... People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.'
10What is Mandela's concept of freedom?
'Freedom is indivisible; the chains on anyone of my people were the chains on all of them, the chains on all of my people were the chains on me.' He believes the oppressor is also imprisoned by hatred and prejudice.
11What twin obligations does Mandela discuss?
Obligations to family (parents, wife, children) and obligations to one's people, community, and country. Under apartheid, a man of colour could not fulfil both.
12Is the NCERT PDF free to download?
Yes, the NCERT PDF for Class 10 English is free to download on CBSE PrepMaster with no sign-up required.
More chapters in First Flight
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