Nelson Mandela's inaugural speech, given on May 10, 1994, marked a significant moment in South African history as he became the country's first black president. In his speech, Mandela addresses the challenges and divisions that have plagued South Africa, particularly the legacy of apartheid, and outlines his vision for a new, united nation.
One of the most notable aspects of Mandela's speech is the way in which he acknowledges the pain and suffering of the past, particularly the oppression and discrimination faced by black South Africans under the apartheid regime. He speaks of the "long years of imprisonment" that he and other freedom fighters endured, and the "unspeakable horrors of terrorism" that have been inflicted upon the country's people. By acknowledging these past wrongs, Mandela establishes a sense of honesty and humility that sets the tone for his presidency and the new, more just society he hopes to build.
Another key aspect of Mandela's speech is his emphasis on reconciliation and unity. He calls on all South Africans, regardless of their race or background, to come together and work towards a common goal of building a better future. He says, "We enter into a covenant that we shall build a society in which all South Africans, both black and white, will be able to walk tall, without any fear in their hearts, assured of their inalienable right to human dignity – a rainbow nation at peace with itself and the world." This message of unity and mutual respect is central to Mandela's vision for South Africa, and he reiterates it throughout his speech.
In addition to addressing the past and the need for reconciliation, Mandela also speaks about the practical steps that need to be taken to build a better future for South Africa. He outlines several key priorities for his administration, including education, health care, and job creation, and emphasizes the importance of addressing these issues in a way that is fair and equitable for all. He also stresses the need for strong, accountable leadership and the importance of working together to achieve progress.
Overall, Mandela's inaugural speech is a powerful and inspiring call to action that speaks to the challenges and opportunities facing South Africa as it enters a new era. Through his emphasis on honesty, unity, and practical action, Mandela sets the stage for a new, more just and inclusive society, and inspires all South Africans to work together to build a better future.
Analysis of Nelson Mandela's Inauguration Speech
With the trepidation of nuclear war and communism, leaving Americans restless, JFK conveys a calming wave as he delivers his Inaugural speech as the 35th president of the US. While Mandela speaks, he also uses no hand gesture, or gesture of any other form at all, nor makes any sustained eye contact at all. In conclusion, the inaugural speeches of Obama and Mandela can be compared and contrasted in multiple ways. Let each know that for each the body, the mind and the soul have been freed to fulfill themselves. Long Walk To Freedom: The Autobiography Of Nelson Mandela In a world that is hungry for heroes and leaders to rise and speak up for the weak, there will only be a few people who will step up and take on that role.
March 7, Mandela refused the offer of separated homelands by the white right-wingers, then just a few days later he was declared the winner of the Presidency, making Mandela the first black South African President. By speaking of unity, justice, peace and freedom, he wanted the white community to join together into a multi-cultural nation that would from now on work collaboratively towards common goals in the best interests of all. Mandela also witnessed his hard work and efforts culminate at the 1994 elections when all South Africans were able to vote. After his release in February, 1990, he helped lead the transition into a multi-racial democracy for South Africa. Illinois: Waveland Press, Inc. When writing his inaugural speech, which is a form of oral rhetoric, Mandela had to consider both an immediate audience, as well as a secondary audience who would watch the speech through the medium of TV and listen to it on the radio.
Logos, ethos, and pathos in Nelson Mandela's Inaugural Speech
His goal was not to attack them and force them to pay for past actions, but instead to understand and join together in making changes for a better future for all citizens regardless of color. The purpose of Mandela's speech was not simply to address the nation as their new president and give gratitude to those who put him there but instead to make a statement that South Africa was going to make immense changes and unify to show the world what the nation could truly do in order to become a land of hope, freedom, justice and equality for all. All of these factors established some doubts in Mandela, especially in the minds of white South Africans. His combination of use of diction, personal pronouns, alliteration, structure, and emotive language tie together to create a very effective speech encouraging unity, emphasizing modesty, and at the same time, giving the South Africans pride in being part of the big change for a better South… Nelson Mandela Ethical Issues The transition from apartheid to democracy in South Africa leading into the general election of 1994 was turbulent, to say the least. That spiritual and physical oneness we all share with this common homeland explains the depth of the pain we all carried in our hearts as we saw our country tear itself apart in a terrible conflict, and as we saw it spurned, outlawed and isolated by the peoples of the world, precisely because it has become the universal base of the pernicious ideology and practice of racism and racial oppression. The sun shall never set on so glorious a human achievement! He became a symbol of freedom and equality, while the apartheid government condemned him. .
Nelson Mandela gave an inaugural address. An address containing official salutations as well as unity appeals causes all audiences to identify with the President. Finally, each of these ends must be achieved … while urging contemplation not action, focusing on the present while incorporating past and future, and praising the institution of presidency and the values and form of the government of which it is a part Campbell and Jamieson, 1990. In this universal ideal, he imagines a society of acceptance to others. He was the voice of the people who have had enough and he began a chain reaction of seeking justice. University of Pennsylvania: African studies center. Among his many accomplishments are the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize for his dedication to the fight against racial oppression in South Africa and establishing democracy there and becoming the president of South Africa in 1994 following their first multiracial elections.
We succeeded to take our last steps to freedom in conditions of relative peace. The national mood changes as the seasons change. We, the people of South Africa, feel fulfilled that humanity has taken us back into its bosom, that 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. One such way that Mandela adjusts his discourse to fit his audience is his choice in diction. All of these factors established some doubts in Mandela, especially in the minds of white South Africans. Their dreams have become reality.
You can use our samples to generate new ideas, get inspiration, examine the structure of a specific article, become familiar with a citation style, or gather research resources. USA: Pearson Education, Inc. Secondly, he expressed in the clearest possible way way his role, being responsible to look after the country, whereas …show more content… Moreover, the centerpiece of the final part is the initiative of The Importance Of Leadership After winning the world cup, a reporter says to Pienaar in the field, that the win was not possible without 63,000 South Africans support in the arena. San Francisco: Sage Publications. South Africa, it is an extensive land with deep mystery enchantment. I remember listening to this speech with much anxiety. Deeds done in words: Presidential rhetoric and the genres of governance.
Let each know that for each the body, the mind and the soul have been freed to fulfill themselves. Mandela made sure to present his message very carefully in order to not bring up feelings of rebellion, resentment or retaliation. Not least among them is my Second Deputy President, the Honorable F. Before I discuss audience though, I will talk about the position of Mandela — the author of the inaugural address in question. Modern rhetorical criticism: Third edition. For years, the world watched as South Africa tore itself apart in conflict, violate human rights and refuse to make changes and steps towards a new direction.
Rhetorical Analysis: Nelson Mandela's Inagural Speech Free Essay Example
I am honoured to be here today on this very special day, the 20th anniversary of the inaugural address of Nelson Mandela, a day which has already taken its place in the history of South Africa. Campbell and Jamieson define five key elements that distinguish the inaugural address as a genre. Mandela then attended a Methodist secondary school where he excelled in academics, track, and boxing. This essay will discuss Obama's motivation and exigency for this speech, lucidly and persuasively argue the effectiveness of this speech, and critically analyse and evaluate rhetorical models and strategies, language choices and styles, speech structure and the delivery of this tribute. We are both humbled and elevated by the honor and privilege that you, the people of South Africa, have bestowed on us, as the first President of a united, democratic, non-racial and non-sexist South Africa, to lead our country out of the valley of darkness.
