Unit 1
25
Activity 11: Reading for pleasure and appreciation
Activity 11a: Read the text silently and carry out the activity that follows.
Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela is one of the most well-
known persons in South Africa. He was
born on July 18, 1918 and was named
‘Rohlihlahla’. When he was studying
at a missionary school*, his name was
changed to ‘Nelson’. During those days,
South Africa was occupied by the British.
It was common for African students to
be given English names.
When Nelson Mandela grew up, he
became a politician. He was very unhappy because in his country, the black people were
thought to be inferior* to the white people. They could not go to the same school or travel in
the same bus. This system was called ‘apartheid’*. Nelson Mandela wanted apartheid to end
so that black South Africans could have the same rights as the white people. He fought against
the government and was imprisoned for 27 years. However, Nelson Mandela did not give up*
his ght against apartheid. Thanks to him, apartheid came to an end. Now, the black and white
South Africans have the same rights.
For his achievement, Nelson Mandela won the Nobel Peace Prize in December 1993. He
even became the rst black President of South Africa in May 1994. Around the world, people
celebrate ‘Nelson Mandela International Day’ on 18th July. Nelson Mandela died on 5th
December 2013.
Glossary
• missionary school: school run by priests from England
• inferior: not as good as
• apartheid: when some people are considered to be inferior
and not given their rights
• did not give up: continued