Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

Apartheid was a political system in South Africa that enforced racial segregation. It separated people based on race, favoring whites over blacks. Mandela fought against it.

Nelson Mandela and the African National Congress (ANC) dedicated their lives to ending apartheid. Mandela spent 30 years in prison for his efforts.

On this day, Nelson Mandela became South Africa's first black President, marking the end of apartheid and the beginning of democracy.

The ceremony took place at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, a site previously symbolizing white supremacy, now a place of unity.

Mandela pledged to uphold the Constitution and dedicate himself to the well-being of South Africa and its people, emphasizing liberty and equality.

This term symbolizes the coming together of people of all races and nations in South Africa, celebrating the new democratic era.

Mandela believed freedom is indivisible; the oppression of any person affects all. He emphasized the importance of collective liberation.

Their presence signified global support for South Africa's transition to democracy and the end of apartheid.

He thanked them for recognizing the common victory for justice, peace, and human dignity in South Africa.

This refers to the long period of apartheid, a system of racial oppression and brutality that Mandela and his people endured.

It refers to the establishment of a democratic, non-racial government in South Africa, a triumph over apartheid.

He envisioned a society free from poverty, deprivation, and discrimination, where all people enjoy equal rights and freedoms.

Previously oppressors, they now pledged loyalty to Mandela and the new democracy, showing the military's support for change.

To symbolize unity and reconciliation between whites and blacks, singing each other's anthems as a sign of mutual respect.

He saw courage as not the absence of fear but the triumph over it. True bravery is conquering fear to fight for justice.

Mandela believed love comes more naturally to the human heart than hate. People learn to hate, so they can be taught to love.

Every person has obligations to their family and to their community/country. Under apartheid, fulfilling both was nearly impossible for blacks.

As a boy, freedom meant running in fields and swimming. As a student, it meant reading and going out at night. Later, it expanded to societal freedom.

Mandela noted that deep oppression can produce extraordinary character, as seen in leaders like Oliver Tambo and Walter Sisulu.

His fight for freedom turned him from a frightened young man into a bold leader, willing to sacrifice everything for his people's dignity.