NCERT Class 10 English First Flight: Chapter 2 — BEFORE YOU READ
This chapter, an extract from Nelson Mandela's 'Long Walk to Freedom', details the historic inauguration ceremony in South Africa on May 10, 1994. It marks the end of centuries of white minority rule and the beginning of a democratic, non-racial government with Nelson Mandela as the first black President. The text explains the concept of apartheid and highlights Mandela's lifelong struggle against it, including his imprisonment. The inauguration itself is described as a 'rainbow gathering' of nations, symbolizing unity and the end of oppression. The chapter also introduces key vocabulary related to the event and the political context of South Africa. It emphasizes the significance of this moment for the nation's future, fostering hope and reconciliation among all races.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 10 |
| Subject | English |
| Book | First Flight |
| Chapter | Chapter 2 — BEFORE YOU READ |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 565 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the historical context of apartheid in South Africa.
- Learn about Nelson Mandela's role in the anti-apartheid movement.
- Identify the significance of the inauguration ceremony.
- Grasp the meaning of terms like 'apartheid', 'inauguration', and 'rainbow gathering'.
- Appreciate the transition to a democratic and non-racial government.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Apartheid | A political system that separates people according to race. |
| Inauguration | A ceremony marking the commencement of a new official period, especially that of a president. |
| Dignitaries | People of high rank or position. |
| Amphitheatre | A building without a roof, with many rows of seats rising in steps. |
| Supremacy | The state or condition of being superior to all others in authority, power, or status. |
| Democratic | Relating to or supporting democracy or its principles. |
| Non-racial | Not based on or discriminating according to race. |
| Oppression | Prolonged cruel or unjust treatment or control. |
| Jubilant | Feeling or expressing great happiness and triumph. |
| Resilience | The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness. |
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Practice questions
- What was 'apartheid'? Answer: Apartheid was a political system that separated people according to their race.
- Who became the first black President of South Africa? Answer: Nelson Mandela became the first black President of South Africa.
- When were the first democratic elections held in South Africa? Answer: The first democratic elections were held in South Africa in 1994.
- What did Nelson Mandela say about the future of South Africa in his address? Answer: Nelson Mandela said that the beautiful land would never again experience the oppression of one by another.
- What does the 'rainbow gathering' symbolize in the context of the inauguration? Answer: The 'rainbow gathering' symbolizes a beautiful coming together of various peoples and nations, representing South Africa's new democratic and non-racial government.
Frequently asked questions
What is apartheid?
Apartheid was a political system in South Africa that enforced racial segregation and discrimination.
Who is Nelson Mandela?
Nelson Mandela was a prominent anti-apartheid revolutionary and politician who became South Africa's first black President.
What was the significance of the inauguration ceremony on May 10, 1994?
It marked the end of centuries of white minority rule and the establishment of South Africa's first democratic, non-racial government, with Nelson Mandela as President.
How long did Nelson Mandela spend in prison?
Nelson Mandela spent thirty years in prison fighting against apartheid.
What does the term 'rainbow gathering' refer to in the chapter?
It refers to the diverse attendance at the inauguration ceremony, with people of different races and nations coming together, symbolizing unity.
Where did the inauguration ceremony take place?
The inauguration ceremony took place in the Union Buildings amphitheatre in Pretoria.
Related resources
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Topics covered
NCERT Class 10 English — First Flight — Chapter 2 — English Nelson Mandela Long Walk to Freedom. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.