Question 31 of 41intermediate💡 UnderstandShort Answer2 marks

For decades the Union Buildings had been the seat of white supremacy, and now ...

Correct Answer

For decades the Union Buildings had been the seat of white supremacy, and now it was the site of a rainbow gathering of different colours and nations for the installation of South Africa’s first democratic, non-racial government.

This transformation marked the end of the harsh system of racial domination. The same sandstone amphitheatre that once symbolized oppression and division now hosted international leaders and dignitaries celebrating unity. It represented the birth of a new South Africa, where people of all races could come together, and where the military pledged its loyalty to a freely and fairly elected government.

Exercise: Looking at Contrasts II | Q: 1 | (Page 12)
For More Understanding

Explanation

The textbook highlights the historical irony and profound shift symbolized by the location of the inauguration. The Union Buildings in Pretoria were historically the epicenter of white supremacy and racial domination. However, on the day of Nelson Mandela's inauguration, they transformed into a symbol of unity and equality, hosting a diverse gathering for the installation of South Africa's first democratic, non-racial government.

Solution Steps

  1. Step 1: Locate the specific reference to the Union Buildings in the provided text.

  2. Step 2: Identify the exact completion of the sentence from the text: 'it was the site of a rainbow gathering of different colours and nations for the installation of South Africa’s first democratic, non-racial government.'

  3. Step 3: Elaborate on the contrast between the past (white supremacy) and the present (democratic unity) to form a complete 2-mark answer.

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