Nelson Mandela: In His Words

Question

This activity will help you meet this educational goal:
You will evaluate a speech given by Nelson Mandela in 1964.
Directions
Read the instructions for this self-checked activity. Type in your response to each question, and check your answers. At the end of the activity, write a brief evaluation of your work.
Activity
In this activity, you will read and interpret a speech by Nelson Mandela and evaluate his work to end apartheid.

Part A
In 1964, Nelson Mandela went on trial for sabotage against the South African government. At his trial, Mandela gave a speech in his own defense. Read this excerpt from his speech, and answer the question that follows:

Africans want to be paid a living wage. Africans want to perform work which they are capable of doing, and not work which the Government declares them to be capable [of]. Africans want to be allowed to live where they obtain work, and not be endorsed out of an area because they were not born there. Africans want to be allowed to own land in places where they work, and not to be obliged to live in rented houses which they can never call their own. Africans want to be part of the general population, and not confined to living in their own ghettoes. . . . Africans want to be allowed out after eleven o’clock at night, and not to be confined to their rooms like little children. . . . Africans want a just share in the whole of South Africa; they want security and a stake in society.
Above all, we want equal political rights, because without them our disabilities will be permanent. I know this sounds revolutionary to the whites in this country, because the majority of voters will be Africans. This makes the white man fear democracy.

According to Mandela, what are some ways that the South African government discriminated against nonwhite citizens? Write a response in about three to five sentences.

Space used(includes formatting): 0 / 30000
Part B
Now look at the last paragraph of Mandela’s speech:

During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.

What goals does Mandela say he is committed to on behalf of the African people in 1964? Did he fulfill his commitment? Explain your answer in four to six sentences.

Space used(includes formatting): 0 / 30000
Self-Evaluation
How did you do? Rate your work on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 as the highest score. Then write a brief evaluation of your work below. Note what you learned and what challenged you.

Answer 1

Part A

According to Mandela, the South African government discriminated against nonwhite citizens by enforcing a multitude of oppressive laws and practices. Nonwhite citizens were denied the opportunity to earn a living wage and were often forced into jobs that the government deemed appropriate for them, rather than positions suited to their skills. Additionally, they faced restrictions on where they could live, often being displaced from areas where they worked. The government also restricted property ownership for nonwhite individuals, confining them to rented housing. Furthermore, Mandela highlighted the political disenfranchisement faced by African citizens, as they were denied equal political rights, leading to their permanent marginalization in society.

Part B

In 1964, Mandela stated that he was committed to the struggle for equal rights and freedoms for the African people. He emphasized his dedication to opposing both white and black domination, envisioning a democratic society where all individuals coexist in harmony and enjoy equal opportunities. Mandela expressed his willingness to sacrifice his life for this ideal, indicating the profound depth of his commitment. He did fulfill his commitment in many ways; his efforts were instrumental in dismantling apartheid and leading South Africa toward democracy. After decades of struggle and sacrifices, he became the first black president of South Africa in 1994, realizing his vision of equality and justice for all.

Self-Evaluation

I would rate my work a 4 out of 5. I felt confident in summarizing Mandela's arguments and described his goals effectively, showing an understanding of the historical context. However, I found it challenging to condense my responses while making sure I captured all the crucial points. I learned more about the specific injustices faced by nonwhite citizens and the depth of Mandela's convictions, which furthered my understanding of the struggle against apartheid in South Africa. Overall, the activity deepened my appreciation for Mandela's legacy and the sacrifices made for freedom and equality.