Chapter 2 of Class 10 English textbook, First Flight, has just one prose piece – Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, an autobiography written by Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. He was the country’s first black president, an anti-apartheid rebel and political leader from 1994 to 1999. We provide you with a synopsis of the text in the style of CBSE Notes. Students may read a prose description of an excerpt from the book “Long Walk to Freedom.” It features the artwork of Nelson Mandela’s inauguration ceremony as well as passages from his address and reflections on his experiences as a liberation fighter. CBSE Class 10 students may also consult CBSE Class 10 English Prose Notes – Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom while preparing for the Board exam.

CBSE Class 10 English notes will assist students in studying the topic thoroughly and clearly.

These CBSE Class 10 English notes were written by subject experts who made the study material very basic, both in terms of language and format.

Installation of the First Democratic Government of South Africa 

The first democratic, non-racial government of South Africa was established on May 10, 1994. The installation ceremony took place in Pretoria, in a sandstone amphitheatre formed by Union structures, where many global leaders had assembled.

Nelson Mandela and his daughter attended the ceremony. Zenani. Mr De, first and foremost.

Thabo Mbeki was sworn in as the first Deputy President, while Klerk was sworn in as the second Deputy President.

Mandela took his oath as President of a free South Africa after them. He vowed to defend and respect the constitution, as well as to devote himself to the people’s well-being.

Mandela Addresses the Guests 

Mandela addressed the audience after taking the oath. He vowed to build a civilization that would be proud of all humanity.

He praised the world leaders for attending the ceremony, which he described as a shared victory for justice, peace, and human dignity.

He stated that he will try to eliminate all forms of poverty, oppression, and inequality in society. He also stated that the new society would bring hope, equality, and liberty to all people.

Display of the Military Power by South African Jets 

When Mandela took the oath of office, South African jets flew overhead, displaying the country’s military might. It also demonstrated the military’s commitment to democracy.

He was saluted by the top military generals. They would have arrested him many years ago, he claimed. Following that, two national anthems were played.

The whites sung the old song ‘Nkosi Sikelel,’ and the blacks sang the new song ‘Die Stem,’ which signalled the end of the ritual.

Apartheid and South Africa 

Nelson Mandela recalls (remembers) days gone by that will soon be a part of history, when whites established a racial domination system against blacks.

It was the foundation of harsh societies that has since been overthrown. He claims that apartheid (racial segregation) has inflicted a profound and permanent scar on his country and its people.

It is now the system that recognises all people’s rights and freedoms.

Mandela Recalls the Sacrifices of Freedom Fighters 

On this auspicious day, Mandela mourned the deaths of thousands of people and recalled their sacrifices in the fight for equality.

He saw himself as the culmination of all the African patriots who had given their lives in the past. He was disappointed that he couldn’t express his gratitude to them.

He remembers famous liberation warriors such as Oliver Tambos, Walter Sisulu, Chief Luthuli, Yusuf Dadoo, and others who were individuals of extraordinary bravery, wisdom, and generosity.

Mandela learned from these freedom warriors that courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. Mandela believed that the country’s true riches is its liberation fighters.

Man’s Natural Goodness 

Being white or black, according to Mandela, is not a sign of righteousness or supremacy. No one is born with a hatred for others based on their skin colour or religion. People should love each other naturally rather than forcing it.

Twin Obligations of Man 

Every man, according to Mandela, has two responsibilities: one to his family and the other to his country. In a civic and human society, he felt that every man is capable of fulfilling both of them.

However, a black man born in South Africa, like him, will not be able to satisfy both. Mandela was snatched away from his family in order to achieve something for his country. As a result, he was unable to fulfil his commitments to his family.

Mandela’s Concept of Freedom 

Mandela recalled that as a child, freedom meant having the freedom to do whatever he wished. He was free in every sense as long as he obeyed his father and the rules of his tribe.

He desired complete independence as a student. Then, as a young man in Johannesburg, he desired the freedom to pursue his aspirations, create a family, and make his own money, among other things.

As he grew older, he began to realise that the independence he had as a child was only a mirage.

Mandela Joins African National Congress 

Mandela realised that he, like the rest of his community, lacked freedom. Then, with a goal to achieve freedom, respect, and dignity for his society, he joined the African National Congress.

His entire life was influenced by his quest for universal freedom. He changed from a fearful young guy to a bold individual, transforming him from a law-abiding citizen to a criminal. He realised that liberty is unalienable.

Mandela’s Realisation 

Mandela realised he couldn’t enjoy his freedom if his community didn’t have it. He also realised that the oppressor (torturer) is not free, just like the oppressed (tortured).

Hatred, prejudice, and narrow-mindedness imprison the oppressed. As a result, both the oppressor and the downtrodden lose their humanity. Both of them need to be let free.

Chapter Overview 

This chapter is an excerpt from Nelson Mandela’s autobiography, South Africa’s first black president. It all begins with the ceremonial installation of South Africa’s first democratic government.

It reveals Mandela’s thoughts on freedom. Mandela’s youth, adolescence, 30 years in jail, and his career as a freedom fighter are all covered. It also acknowledges the contributions of his country’s other freedom fighters.

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