A long walk to Freedom

1) In the cartoon, read the different signs and inscriptions and

react.

• In the cartoon, I can see signs which say “Whites only” and “Blacks only”. The
sign on the park bench indicates that only white people can sit there. The public
toilets are also reserved for whites only or blacks only.

• On the right of the cartoon, there is a sign which says: “Whites only. Net blankes”.
The sign is in English and in Afrikaans, a South African language. In Afrikaans,
the word “apartheid” means “separation”. I think this type of rule / law is
shocking and must make life very difficult, especially for black people. I think
apartheid is unfair.

2) Read the speech bubbles and focus on the kids’ reactions and
feelings.

• Two black boys are sitting on the park bench.

• I think the boy on the left lived in Joburg in the past, because he is explaining the
rules / laws of apartheid: he says black people need a pass just to enter the city. He
looks sad.

• The boy on the right must be from the future / our present because he is shocked at
the way of life under apartheid: he says the laws are insane and is very thankful
that he doesn’t live under apartheid. 


3) Now, try to explain what apartheid was. Use a dictionary to

check the definition.

• “Apartheid”, the Afrikaans word for “separation”, was a period in South African
history (1948- 1994) where black and white people were forced to live separately.

• Under apartheid, non whites did not have equal rights with white citizens, for
example, they were not allowed to vote in elections or to access many public
places, e.g. beaches, sports facilities, etc.