About the Author
Nelson Mandela was a brave leader from South Africa. He was born on July 18, 1918, in a small village called Mvezo. As a young man, he studied law and became a fighter for equal rights. In his country, white people treated black people very badly under a system called apartheid. Mandela spent 27 years in jail for standing up against this unfair rule. Even in prison, he never gave up. After his release in 1990, he worked hard to bring peace and freedom to all. In 1994, he became the first black President of South Africa. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 for his work. Mandela passed away in 2013, but his story of courage and kindness lives on. He wrote this chapter in his book called Long Walk to Freedom, which tells about his life's journey.
What’s the Story About?
This chapter is like a window into Nelson Mandela's life. It starts on a bright sunny day in May 1994, in a big city called Pretoria, South Africa. This was a special day because South Africa was ending years of unfair treatment towards black people. Nelson Mandela was about to become the country's first black President after white rulers had controlled everything for a long time.
Imagine the excitement! Thousands of people from South Africa and other countries gathered at the Union Buildings, a grand place like a fort. Leaders from places like the United States, Britain, and even China's special area flew in on planes. The sky was full of military jets zooming past, painting white smoke in the colors of South Africa's new flag—black, green, yellow, white, red, and blue. These jets came from white, black, and colored pilots, showing that everyone was now together as one team.
Mandela stood there, wearing a simple suit, and thought about how amazing this was. Just a few years ago, he was seen as a bad person by the government, locked away on an island prison. Now, he was free, and the whole country was free too. He remembered his childhood in a beautiful village in the hills of Transkei. As a boy, he played in green valleys and learned from old wise men about being strong and fair. But when he moved to big cities like Johannesburg, he saw how black people were treated like second-class citizens. They couldn't live where they wanted, vote, or even walk freely.
This unfair system, called apartheid, made Mandela angry. He joined a group called the African National Congress (ANC) to fight for rights. He organized protests and meetings, but the rulers arrested him. For 27 long years, he lived in tiny cells, did hard labor like breaking stones, and missed his family. Yet, he kept his hope alive, dreaming of a day when all people—black, white, Indian, colored—could live as equals.
On this big day, Mandela took an oath, promising to follow the laws and serve everyone. His friend Thabo Mbeki also became Deputy President. In his speech, Mandela said freedom is not just for one person; it's a gift we must share. He thanked the people who fought and suffered so he could stand there. The chapter ends with Mandela feeling proud but humble, knowing his "long walk" to freedom was just the start. He wanted a world without hate, where kids could grow up without fear.
The story teaches us that one person's brave steps can change a whole nation. It's full of hope, showing how patience and kindness can break even the strongest chains.
Who’s Who in the Story
- Nelson Mandela: The main hero of the story. He is the brave leader who fought against unfair rules and became South Africa's first black President. He shares his thoughts and feelings throughout the chapter.
- Thabo Mbeki: Mandela's close friend and helper. He became the Deputy President on the same day and took the oath right after Mandela.
- Chief Justice: A high court official who led the oath-taking ceremony. He made sure everything was done properly, like a referee in a game.
- International Leaders: Important guests from countries like the United States (President Bill Clinton), Britain, and China. They came to show support for the new free South Africa.
- Military Pilots: Brave men from the air force who flew jets over the crowd. They included pilots from different races, showing unity.
- The People of South Africa: Not one person, but all the everyday heroes—black, white, and others—who protested, went to jail, or lost loved ones to win freedom.
Themes and Moral
This chapter talks about big ideas that touch our hearts. Here are the main ones, explained simply:
- Freedom and Equality: The story shows how important it is for everyone to have the same rights. Mandela says true freedom means no one is held back because of their skin color or background. It's like a big family where all kids get the same food and toys.
- Courage Against Oppression: Mandela teaches us to stand tall even when things are scary. He faced jail and hate but never stopped fighting. The moral here is: Be brave like a lion, but kind like a friend—change comes from never giving up.
- Unity and Forgiveness: After years of fights between groups, Mandela brings everyone together. He forgives those who hurt him and builds a new start. The lesson is: Holding grudges keeps us stuck; sharing peace makes us strong.
- Hope for the Future: From a lonely prison cell to a sunny victory day, the chapter says hope is like a seed—it grows if we water it with hard work. Moral: No dream is too big if we walk step by step.
Overall, the big moral is that freedom is not free; it costs sweat, tears, and time. But it's worth every step, and we must guard it for others.
Important Vocabulary and Phrases
Here are some key words and phrases from the chapter. I've picked simple ones that might be new, and explained them in easy words, like chatting with a friend:
- Inauguration: The starting ceremony for a new leader, like cutting a ribbon to open a shop—but for a whole country.
- Apartheid: A bad rule in South Africa where white people had all the power and black people were treated like outsiders in their own home.
- Oppression: When someone in power keeps hurting or controlling others, like a bully who won't let you play.
- Triumph: A big win after a tough fight, like scoring the last goal to win a match.
- Oath: A serious promise you make, like saying "I swear on my favorite book" to show you mean it.
- Profound: Very deep and important, like a feeling that touches your heart and stays there forever.
- Transkei: The hilly village area where Mandela grew up—think green fields and happy childhood days.
- Courage: Being brave when you're scared, like jumping into a cold pool but smiling through it.
- Long Walk to Freedom (phrase): Mandela's way of saying his life's journey to get freedom was slow and hard, like a long hike up a mountain.
- Sword of State (phrase): A fancy old sword carried in ceremonies to show the power of the country's laws, like a king's special stick.
These words help paint the picture of Mandela's big adventure. Read them in sentences from the chapter to remember better!