(First Flight)
Chapter 2
Nelson Mandela
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
PART 1
Summary
This chapter is an extract from the autobiography of Nelson Mandela (born- 18 July, 1918),
the first Black President of South Africa. It begins with the description of their inaugural
ceremony which took place on the 10th of May 1994 where the entire nation along with many
international leaders embraced the victory of a newly and fairly elected government. It involved
speeches by the President and the two Deputy Presidents followed by an impressive air show of
fighter jets and helicopters. Long ago, in the first decade of the twentieth century, white
supremacy introduced the system of apartheid and made life a living hell for the dark-skinned
population. It gave rise to one of the most inhumane societies of the world. Many people have
struggled and sacrificed for basic human rights. The author expressed his desire to thank all those
freedom fighters who couldn’t live to see this autumn day. He referred to the citizens as the
greatest asset of the country. It is these people he gathered his courage from. Mandela believes
that courageous is not the man who is fearless, but the man who has overcome fear. He also
mentioned the two responsibilities every human has and how in order to fulfil his obligation
towards the society, his obligation towards his family was neglected. He became a man of people
when he realised that the idea of freedom was an illusion for him and people like him. It was
then he joined the African National Congress and fought for his rights till he became the first
black President of the nation. According to him, the oppressor is as much a prisoner as the
oppressed. As soon as the former robs the oppressed of their freedom he, himself gets robbed of
his humanity. Thus, the oppressor too, is not free.
PART 2
Passage by passage explanation
Passage: TENTH May dawned bright and clear. For the past few days I had been pleasantly
besieged by dignitaries and world leaders who were coming to pay their respects before the
inauguration. The inauguration would be the largest gathering ever of international leaders on
South African soil. The ceremonies took place in the lovely sandstone amphitheater formed by
,the Union Buildings in Pretoria. For decades this had been the seat of white supremacy, and now
it was the site of a rainbow gathering of different colors and nations for the installation of South
Africa’s first democratic, non-racial government.
Word Meaning
Dawned- (of a day) began
Pleasantly– giving a sense of happy satisfaction or enjoyment; satisfying
Besieged- to be surrounded by
Dignitaries- a person considered to be important because of high rank or office.
Sandstone– a sedimentary rock consisting of sand or quartz grains cemented together, typically
red, yellow, or brown in color.
Amphitheatre- an open-air theatre
Supremacy– the state or condition of being superior to all others in authority, power, or status
Explanation of the above Passage: 10th May was the day when Nelson Mandela sworn in as
the first black Head of State, South Africa. It was after years of struggle that his anti-racist party
came into power. Until then, the seat had always been occupied by white Presidents. That is
why, the author referred to the day as “bright and clear”. It was a morning full of hope. Days
before this date, many notable personalities started congratulating him for his victory. For the
first time in the country’s history, so many international leaders came together for their
inauguration ceremony. The ceremony took place in an open circular building made of
sandstone consisting of Union buildings in Pretoria city.
Passage: On that lovely autumn day I was accompanied by my daughter Zenani. On the podium,
Mr de Klerk was first sworn in as second deputy president. Then Thabo Mbeki was sworn in as
first deputy president. When it was my turn, I pledged to obey and uphold the Constitution and to
devote myself to the wellbeing of the Republic and its people.
Word Meaning
Deputy– Second in command
Sworn- given under oath; determined to stay in the role specified
Pledged– committed (a person or organization) by a solemn promise.
Explanation of the above Passage: The author was accompanied by his daughter, Zenani on his
big day. First, the two Vice-Presidents took an oath. Then, when his turn came, he committed to
respect, protect and abide by the Constitution and to devote his entire self into the welfare of the
country.
Passage: To the assembled guests and the watching world, I said: “Today, all of us do, by our
presence here… confer glory and hope to newborn liberty. Out of the experience of an
extraordinary human disaster that lasted too long, must be born a society of which all humanity
will be proud. We, who were outlaws, not so long ago, have today been given the rare privilege
to be host to the nations of the world on our own soil. We thank all of our distinguished
international guests for having come to take possession with the people of our country of what is,
after all, a common victory for justice, for peace, for human dignity.”
Word Meaning
Assembled– (of people) gather together in one place for a common purpose
Confer- grant
, Glory- honour
Outlaws- because of its policy of apartheid, many countries had earlier broken off diplomatic
relations with South Africa
On our own soil– in our own country
Possession– ownership
Dignity– the state or quality of being worthy of respect.
Explanation of the above Passage: The author also mentions some parts of his speech where he
said that everyone, by his presence was giving rise to hope for a new beginning. Previous rulers
were discriminatory and lasted for long but the ones, who are given the opportunity to rule now
(ANC), would stand up against discrimination. He is glad to host a ceremony with the presence
of global leaders. It is an achievement in itself. There was a time when South Africa, for
practicing apartheid, lost all its international political relationships. Now, when there is no
segregation on the basis of race and gender, other nations are happy to have healthy democratic
relationships. Finally, they have come to power and they pledge to make everyone proud. He
thanked everyone, especially the international leaders for joining them in celebrating their
achievement which is a step towards an equal society where every human will be treated fairly.
Passage: “We have, at last, achieved our political emancipation. We pledge ourselves to liberate
all our people from the continuing bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender and other
discrimination. Never, never, and never again shall it be that this beautiful land will again
experience the oppression of one by another. The sun shall never set on so glorious a human
achievement. Let freedom reign. God bless Africa!”
Word Meaning
Emancipation– the fact or process of being set free from legal, social, or political restrictions
Liberate- free; release
Bondage- the state of being a slave
Discrimination- being treated differently or unfavorably
Deprivation- the damaging lack of material benefits considered to be basic necessities in a
society
Oppression- prolonged cruel or unjust treatment or exercise of authority.
Glorious- having, worthy of, or bringing fame or admiration.
Reign- rule; govern
Explanation of the above Passage: He mentions that after great struggle, they have finally
achieved political freedom. His government promised to free everyone of the still existing
poverty, hardship and inequalities of all kind along with assuring everyone of a country where
no community will be considered inferior. He then exclaims that freedom should rule and may
god shower his blessings on their land.
Passage: A few moments later we all lifted our eyes in awe as a spectacular array of South
African jets, helicopters and troop carriers roared in perfect formation over the Union Buildings.
It was not only a display of pinpoint precision and military force, but a demonstration of the
military’s loyalty to democracy, to a new government that had been freely and fairly elected.
Only moments before, the highest generals of the South African defence force and police, their
chests bedecked with ribbons and medals from days gone by, saluted me and pledged their
loyalty. I was not unmindful of the fact that not so many years before they would not have
saluted but arrested me. Finally a chevron of Impala jets left a smoke trail of the black, red,
green, blue and gold of the new South African flag.
Chapter 2
Nelson Mandela
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
PART 1
Summary
This chapter is an extract from the autobiography of Nelson Mandela (born- 18 July, 1918),
the first Black President of South Africa. It begins with the description of their inaugural
ceremony which took place on the 10th of May 1994 where the entire nation along with many
international leaders embraced the victory of a newly and fairly elected government. It involved
speeches by the President and the two Deputy Presidents followed by an impressive air show of
fighter jets and helicopters. Long ago, in the first decade of the twentieth century, white
supremacy introduced the system of apartheid and made life a living hell for the dark-skinned
population. It gave rise to one of the most inhumane societies of the world. Many people have
struggled and sacrificed for basic human rights. The author expressed his desire to thank all those
freedom fighters who couldn’t live to see this autumn day. He referred to the citizens as the
greatest asset of the country. It is these people he gathered his courage from. Mandela believes
that courageous is not the man who is fearless, but the man who has overcome fear. He also
mentioned the two responsibilities every human has and how in order to fulfil his obligation
towards the society, his obligation towards his family was neglected. He became a man of people
when he realised that the idea of freedom was an illusion for him and people like him. It was
then he joined the African National Congress and fought for his rights till he became the first
black President of the nation. According to him, the oppressor is as much a prisoner as the
oppressed. As soon as the former robs the oppressed of their freedom he, himself gets robbed of
his humanity. Thus, the oppressor too, is not free.
PART 2
Passage by passage explanation
Passage: TENTH May dawned bright and clear. For the past few days I had been pleasantly
besieged by dignitaries and world leaders who were coming to pay their respects before the
inauguration. The inauguration would be the largest gathering ever of international leaders on
South African soil. The ceremonies took place in the lovely sandstone amphitheater formed by
,the Union Buildings in Pretoria. For decades this had been the seat of white supremacy, and now
it was the site of a rainbow gathering of different colors and nations for the installation of South
Africa’s first democratic, non-racial government.
Word Meaning
Dawned- (of a day) began
Pleasantly– giving a sense of happy satisfaction or enjoyment; satisfying
Besieged- to be surrounded by
Dignitaries- a person considered to be important because of high rank or office.
Sandstone– a sedimentary rock consisting of sand or quartz grains cemented together, typically
red, yellow, or brown in color.
Amphitheatre- an open-air theatre
Supremacy– the state or condition of being superior to all others in authority, power, or status
Explanation of the above Passage: 10th May was the day when Nelson Mandela sworn in as
the first black Head of State, South Africa. It was after years of struggle that his anti-racist party
came into power. Until then, the seat had always been occupied by white Presidents. That is
why, the author referred to the day as “bright and clear”. It was a morning full of hope. Days
before this date, many notable personalities started congratulating him for his victory. For the
first time in the country’s history, so many international leaders came together for their
inauguration ceremony. The ceremony took place in an open circular building made of
sandstone consisting of Union buildings in Pretoria city.
Passage: On that lovely autumn day I was accompanied by my daughter Zenani. On the podium,
Mr de Klerk was first sworn in as second deputy president. Then Thabo Mbeki was sworn in as
first deputy president. When it was my turn, I pledged to obey and uphold the Constitution and to
devote myself to the wellbeing of the Republic and its people.
Word Meaning
Deputy– Second in command
Sworn- given under oath; determined to stay in the role specified
Pledged– committed (a person or organization) by a solemn promise.
Explanation of the above Passage: The author was accompanied by his daughter, Zenani on his
big day. First, the two Vice-Presidents took an oath. Then, when his turn came, he committed to
respect, protect and abide by the Constitution and to devote his entire self into the welfare of the
country.
Passage: To the assembled guests and the watching world, I said: “Today, all of us do, by our
presence here… confer glory and hope to newborn liberty. Out of the experience of an
extraordinary human disaster that lasted too long, must be born a society of which all humanity
will be proud. We, who were outlaws, not so long ago, have today been given the rare privilege
to be host to the nations of the world on our own soil. We thank all of our distinguished
international guests for having come to take possession with the people of our country of what is,
after all, a common victory for justice, for peace, for human dignity.”
Word Meaning
Assembled– (of people) gather together in one place for a common purpose
Confer- grant
, Glory- honour
Outlaws- because of its policy of apartheid, many countries had earlier broken off diplomatic
relations with South Africa
On our own soil– in our own country
Possession– ownership
Dignity– the state or quality of being worthy of respect.
Explanation of the above Passage: The author also mentions some parts of his speech where he
said that everyone, by his presence was giving rise to hope for a new beginning. Previous rulers
were discriminatory and lasted for long but the ones, who are given the opportunity to rule now
(ANC), would stand up against discrimination. He is glad to host a ceremony with the presence
of global leaders. It is an achievement in itself. There was a time when South Africa, for
practicing apartheid, lost all its international political relationships. Now, when there is no
segregation on the basis of race and gender, other nations are happy to have healthy democratic
relationships. Finally, they have come to power and they pledge to make everyone proud. He
thanked everyone, especially the international leaders for joining them in celebrating their
achievement which is a step towards an equal society where every human will be treated fairly.
Passage: “We have, at last, achieved our political emancipation. We pledge ourselves to liberate
all our people from the continuing bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender and other
discrimination. Never, never, and never again shall it be that this beautiful land will again
experience the oppression of one by another. The sun shall never set on so glorious a human
achievement. Let freedom reign. God bless Africa!”
Word Meaning
Emancipation– the fact or process of being set free from legal, social, or political restrictions
Liberate- free; release
Bondage- the state of being a slave
Discrimination- being treated differently or unfavorably
Deprivation- the damaging lack of material benefits considered to be basic necessities in a
society
Oppression- prolonged cruel or unjust treatment or exercise of authority.
Glorious- having, worthy of, or bringing fame or admiration.
Reign- rule; govern
Explanation of the above Passage: He mentions that after great struggle, they have finally
achieved political freedom. His government promised to free everyone of the still existing
poverty, hardship and inequalities of all kind along with assuring everyone of a country where
no community will be considered inferior. He then exclaims that freedom should rule and may
god shower his blessings on their land.
Passage: A few moments later we all lifted our eyes in awe as a spectacular array of South
African jets, helicopters and troop carriers roared in perfect formation over the Union Buildings.
It was not only a display of pinpoint precision and military force, but a demonstration of the
military’s loyalty to democracy, to a new government that had been freely and fairly elected.
Only moments before, the highest generals of the South African defence force and police, their
chests bedecked with ribbons and medals from days gone by, saluted me and pledged their
loyalty. I was not unmindful of the fact that not so many years before they would not have
saluted but arrested me. Finally a chevron of Impala jets left a smoke trail of the black, red,
green, blue and gold of the new South African flag.
