Response to Nelson Mandelas Freedom Speech - Essay Example

The speech has been written from a South African perspective and it has some cultural connotations about the aspect of togetherness which is treated as a very important aspect towards achievement of freedom. Contextually, the speech tries to portray the idea that united people are likely to emerge victors in the fight against oppression. For instance, young people are referred to as ‘young lions’ in the speech. In this case, the imagery is meant to emphasize the essence of unity given that the lions thrive on this unity in the jungle.

This speech is written in the context of promoting peace and freedom among South Africans. This is reflected by the following statement: “I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination.” Ladies and gentlemen, friends, comrades and fellow South Africans here present, I greet you all and I wish peace for all. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to speak to you about Nelson Mandela’s Free From Jail Speech. I am AntjieKrog, many of you know me as a reporter and poet in both English and Afrikaans.

To those who know me, you may recall how Nelson Mandela is a dear friend to me and how he has influenced my life in different ways. Therefore, I would like to pay tribute to this legendary hero through presenting a speech dedicated to Mr. Nelson Mandela. Friends, colleagues and fellow South Africans, may I draw your attention to the words of Nelson Mandela which he said during his trial in 1964: “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 opportunity.

It is an ideal that I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die”. For years, Mandela was banned from participating in social and political gatherings and was kept under strict police surveillance just because he had the courage