LONG WALK
TO FREEDOM
The Autobiography of
NELSON
MANDELA
Little, Brown and Company
Boston New York London
Copyright © 1994, 1995 by Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review.
eISBN 0-7595-8142-8
This book is also available in print as ISBN 0-316-54585-6.
CONTENTS
Part One
A COUNTRY CHILDHOOD
Part Two
JOHANNESBURG
Part Three
BIRTH OF A FREEDOM FIGHTER
Part Four
THE STRUGGLE IS MY LIFE
Part Five
TREASON
Part Six
THE BLACK PIMPERNEL
Part Seven
RIVONIA
Part Eight
ROBBEN ISLAND: THE DARK YEARS
Part Nine
ROBBEN ISLAND: BEGINNING TO HOPE
Part Ten
TALKING WITH THE ENEMY
Part Eleven
FREEDOM
INDEX
International Acclaim for
LONG WALK TO FREEDOM
“A compelling book . . . both a brilliant description of a diabolical system and a testament to the power of the spirit to transcend it. . . . One of the most remarkable lives of the twentieth century.”
— Washington Post Book World
“ ‘Irresistible’ describes Long Walk to Freedom, which must be one of the few political autobiographies that’s also a page-turner.”
— Los Angeles Times Book Review
“A truly wonderful autobiography, sharp, literate, unpretentious, and . . . as emotionally involving as it is informative.”
— Chicago Tribune
“The Nelson Mandela who emerges from Long Walk to Freedom . . . is considerably more human than the icon of legend.”
— New York Times Book Review
“Words like ‘generosity,’ ‘fortitude,’ and ‘patience’ ring through this moving account of Mandela’s life and struggle. . . . All hail to the man who could wait so long, and who knew what would be worth waiting for. Viva, Mandela, Viva!”
— Globe and Mail
“An engrossing tapestry of recent South African history that grips the reader from the first pages. . . . Riveting and sometimes painfully honest.”
— San Francisco Chronicle
“One of the most extraordinary political tales of the 20th century, and well worth the investment for anyone truly interested in the genesis of greatness.”
— Financial Times (London)
“A deeply touching chronicle of one of the remarkable lives of the twentieth century.”
— Christian Science Monitor
“The work of a man who has led by action and example — a man who is one of the few genuine heroes we have.”
— Kirkus
“Mandela writes with rare and moving candor.”
— The Economist
“[It] movingly records the extraordinary life of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. . . . These pages come to dramatic life.”
— London Sunday Times
“A true gem. A wonderful journey worth taking.”
— Portland Oregonian
“This book should be on your ‘must-read’ list . . . in a world hungry for heroes and role models, there is one to be found here.”
— Edmonton Journal
“To read of Nelson Mandela’s fascinating journey . . . is to be reminded of the indomitable human spirit. Yet the reminder is delivered with such grace and subtlety that it intensifies its meaning.”
— San Diego Union-Tribune
“Long Walk to Freedom is one of those rare books that become not only a touchstone but a condition of our humanity.”
—New York Sunday Newsday
“A manual for human beings. . . . Should be read by every person alive.”
— Boston Globe
“This fluid memoir matches Mandela’s stately grace with wise reflection on his life and the freedom struggle that defined it.”
— Publishers Weekly
“A serious account of a life and a cause . . . wonderful insight into the man who is his country’s combined Washington, Lincoln, and Gandhi.”
— Montreal Gazette
“A gripping insider’s view. . . . Riveting and sometimes painfully honest.”
— San Francisco Chronicle
“The memoir is as rich, compelling, thoughtful, and informative as any written or likely to be written by a contemporary politician on the world stage.”
— Book Page
“An epic tale . . . as riveting as that glorious day in 1990 when Mandela walked sedately out of jail to liberty and leadership.”
— Cleveland Plain Dealer
I dedicate this book to my six children, Madiba and Makaziwe (my first daughter), who are now deceased, and to Makgatho, Makaziwe, Zenani, and Zindzi, whose support and love I treasure; to my twenty-one grandchildren and three great-grandchildren who give me great pleasure; and to all my comrades, friends, and fellow South Africans whom I serve and whose courage, determination, and patriotism remain my source of inspiration.
Acknowledgments
As readers will discover, this book has a long history. I began writing it clandestinely in 1974 during my imprisonment on Robben Island. Without the tireless labor of my old comrades Walter Sisulu and Ahmed Kathrada for reviving my memories, it is doubtful the manuscript would have been completed. The copy of the manuscript which I kept with me was discovered by the authorities and confiscated. However, in addition to their unique calligraphic skills, my co-prisoners Mac Maharaj and Isu Chiba had ensured that the original manuscript safely reached its destination. I resumed work on it after my release from prison in 1990.
Since my release, my schedule has been crowded with numerous duties and responsibilities, which have left me little free time for writing. Fortunately, I have had the assistance of dedicated colleagues, friends, and professionals who have helped me complete my work at last, and to whom I would like to express my appreciation.
I am deeply grateful to Richard Stengel who collaborated with me in the creation of this book, providing invaluable assistance in editing and revising the first parts and in the writing of the latter parts. I recall with fondness our early morning walks in the Transkei and the many hours of interviews at Shell House in Johannesburg and my home in Houghton. A special tribute is owed to Mary Pfaff who assisted Richard in his work. I have also benefited from the advice and support of Fatima Meer, Peter Magubane, Nadine Gordimer, and Ezekiel Mphahlele.