Geo Quiz

Retracing the steps of Nelson Mandela

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Today’s Geo Quiz retraces the steps Nelson Mandela took 20 years ago today.

South Africans haven’t forgotten the momentous day when Mandela walked out of prison a free man. Wherever he went, crowds gathered in the streets hoping for a glimpse of the great man. And Mandela himself could hardly contain his joy, according to ANC member Hilda Ndude.

“He was so full of excitement just to see people and just to say “I’m out, today I’m a free man” and see your people waiting to welcome you. He was on top of the world.”

That day, Mandela was driven to one of South Africa’s capitals, where he gave his first speech. The question is: which capital are we talking about?

Was it South Africa’s administrative capital, Pretoria; its legislative one, Cape Town, or its judicial capital Bloemfontein?

Puzzle on the choices — the answer’s coming up…

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Geo Answer:
20 years ago today, Nelson Mandela walked out of prison. After his first steps as a free man, Mandela was driven to Cape Town, South Africa’s legislative capital.

Cape Town, by the way, is the answer to our Geo Quiz.

That’s where Mandela finally spoke to South Africans for the first time after 27 years in prison.

“Comrades and fellow South Africans, I greet you all in the name of peace. Democracy and freedom for all.”

The nightmare of apartheid was ending and 4 years later Nelson Mandela would be sworn in as South Africa’s president. But there was a moment that day, before that speech, that we want to tell you about.
Mandela was still making his way to Cape Town. His driver took a turn to avoid the huge crowds lining the streets.

Then, for some reason, the car stopped … right in front of Vanessa Watson’s house.

At the time Watson was the young mother of twin baby boys. Today, this is how the university professor remembers her encounter with Mandela.

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