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Chapter 111
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Long Walk to Freedom, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Racism and Division
Negotiation, Democracy, and Progress
Nonviolent Protest vs. Violent Protest
The Value of Optimism
Summary
Analysis
June 3, 1993, is a landmark in South African history, although few know it. It was the date when they set the date for elections on April 27, 1994. People will vote in the first one-person-one-vote election to elect an assembly who will write a new constitution, serve as parliament, and elect a president. Buthelezi continues to protest the proceedings, wanting a constitution to be drawn up before the election.
One person, one vote is one of the most fundamental principles of democracy, and one that has been missing in South Africa. It is the idea that at least in theory, each citizen of a country has an equal opportunity to decide the course of the government. The fact that the election will also lead to the drafting of a new constitution means that the voters of South Africa will have the ability to elect representatives to form the country’s political foundations.
Themes
In 1993, Mandela wins the Nobel Peace Prize jointly with de Klerk. He is moved, although says he never go into the liberation struggle seeking recognition. Despite his criticisms of de Klerk, Mandela did not refuse the prize, believing that the prize makes de Klerk a stronger negotiating partner, giving legitimacy to their new agreement for elections. Mandela then begins to campaign in earnest for the election, traveling the country to hear people’s opinions. The ANC puts together a 150-page document about how to rejuvenate the country.
Despite Mandela’s many disagreements with de Klerk, he remains pragmatic and focused on his larger goals rather than attempting to settle personal scores. Mandela realizes that because de Klerk is his negotiating partner, any legitimacy he receives will also help bolster Mandela and their joint plan for new democratic elections.
Themes
