Tasks: I am Prepared to Die by Nelson Mandela

Work with a partner or in a group. Discuss the questions and write the answers in a shared document.

1. According to Mandela, what are the two main obstacles to economic advancement for Black South Africans?

2. Mandela discusses the lack of human dignity for Black people in South Africa. What examples are given in the speech?
3. Mandela states that "Poverty goes hand in hand with malnutrition and disease." What does he state are the secondary effects of poverty and the breakdown of family life?
4. Mention some of the rights that Mandela demands for Black South Africans.
5. Why would white people fear equal rights for all South African citizens?
6. Does Mandela believe that white supremacy would be replaced by black supremacy if Black South Africans were given the right to vote?
7. What does this speech tell you about what Mandela was like as a person?

Work with a partner or alone, and write down the answers to the questions. Answer them as fully as possible.

1. What rhetorical devices are used in this speech? How do these devices contribute to conveying the message of the speech?
2. Originally, the final sentence in the speech was "This is an ideal for which I will die". Mandela's lawyers and supporters urged him to change it into "But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." Why do you think they wanted him to change this, and what is the effect?

3. What do you think the impact of this speech was at the time it was delivered? Would it be received differently by Black South Africans than by white South Africans?

4. What is the message of the speech?

Below, you will find a list of key events in the history of South African apartheid.

1. Make a timeline where you place these historic events in the right order. Do a bit of research for each and find more information about what happened during each event.

2. Go through your timeline together with a partner. Take turns explaining the context of the events.

Choose one of the tasks and find out more about the topic.

1. Research and compare the legacy of Nelson Mandela in South Africa to another leader advocating change in their country, for example Mahatma Gandhi, Desmond Tutu, Martin Luther King Jr., or Mairead Maguire.

2. The men mentioned below were white leaders during the apartheid period. Find out more about them and discuss what role they played in preserving or ending apartheid.

• P.W. Botha

• Hendrik Verwoerd

• F.W. Klerk

Trevor Noah is a comedian, television host, and political commentator. He has become world famous for his stand-up shows and as a host of the satirical American news programme The Daily Show. Noah was born in South Africa to a Black mother and a white father. He has often talked about how his existence was a crime in the country he grew up in.

By following this link, you can watch Trevor Noah do a stand-up routine about his background. Watch the clip or do an internet research to find other sources where Noah talks about what it was like to grow up in South Africa.

Link to YouTube: Trevor Noah stand-up show about his childhood

When you have watched the clip, or have used other sources to learn about Noah's experiences growing up, choose one of the following tasks:

1. Write a text about what it was like to grow up in a mixed family in South Africa.

2. Write a text where you discuss how humour can be used to share serious topics.

3. Write a short story about someone who grows up in South Africa during apartheid.