SOME OF THE MOST INSPIRING QUOTATIONS FROM FORMER SOUTH AFRICA NELSON MANDELA
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| Nelson Mandela |
Mandela thrilled audiences with his wit, then often bludgeoned them with his
observations. As we reflect on Nelson
Mandela’s life, we should take the time to consider the great man’s words of
wisdom. Here’s our list of the best Mandela quotes.
“No power on earth can stop an oppressed people
determined to win their freedom” — June 1961.
fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and
free society in which all persons will live together in harmony with equal
opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for, and to see realised.
But my Lord, if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.”-
Defence statement during the Rivonia Trial, 1964
“I stand here before you not as a prophet but as a
humble servant of you, the people” — release from prison in February 1990.
beautiful land will again experience the oppression of one by another and
suffer the indignity of being the skunk of the world. Let freedom reign.” —
inauguration as president in May 1994.
“The award was a tribute to all South Africans and
especially to those who fought in the struggle; I would accept it on their
behalf” — on receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in December 1994.
of the love and support she has given me” — marrying Graca Machel in July 1998
at the age of 80.
“I step down with a clear conscience, feeling that I
have in a small way done my duty to my people and my country” — retiring as
president in May 1999.
prison to loaf. It is now time to do some catching up” — on life in retirement
in November 2000.
“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we
have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will
determine the significance of the life we lead.” – 90th birthday celebration of
Walter Sisulu, Walter Sisulu Hall, Johannesburg,18 May 2002
chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”
– Long Walk to Freedom
level of the people you are with and a sense of humour and a complete
relaxation, even when you’re discussing serious things, does help to mobilise friends
around you. And I love that.” – From an interview with Tim Couzens, Verne
Harris and Mac Maharaj for Mandela: The Authorised Portrait , 2006, 13 August
2005
“I was called a terrorist yesterday, but when I came
out of jail, many people embraced me, including my enemies, and that is what I
normally tell other people who say those who are struggling for liberation in
their country are terrorists. I tell them that I was also a terrorist
yesterday, but, today, I am admired by the very people who said I was one.” –
Larry King Live, 16 May 2000
colour of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to
hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes
more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.” – Long Walk to Freedom.
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can
use to change the world.” – University of the Witwatersrand South Africa, 2003
to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner.” Long Walk to Freedom
“Death is something inevitable. When a man has done
what he considers to be his duty to his people and his country, he can rest in
peace. I believe I have made that effort and that is, therefore, why I will
sleep for the eternity.” – From an
interview for the documentary Mandela, 1994
“The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid,
but he who conquers that fear.” – Long Walk to Freedom
“One issue that deeply worried me in prison was the
false image I unwittingly projected to outside world; of being regarded as a saint”
— he said in his latest book (2010) Conversations with Myself.
“The threat of death evoked no desire in me to play
the role of martyr. I was ready to do so if I had to. But the anxiety to live
always lingered” on the risk of execution in Conversations with Myself.
fighting for a society where people will cease thinking in terms of colour …
It’s not a question of race; it’s a question of ideas.” — passage from the
book.
“What I am condemning is that one power, with a
president who has no foresight, who cannot think properly, is now wanting to
plunge the world into a holocaust” — about then-US president George W Bush on
the build-up to Iraq war in January 2003.
performance. In a cynical world we have become an inspiration to many.” — last
address to parliament in May 2004.
“I can confirm that we are ready, able, willing and
capable as well as passionate about hosting the World Cup” — during successful
pitch for South Africa to host 2010 World Cup in May 2004.
world. To deal with it requires resources far beyond the capacity of one
continent. No single country has the capacity to deal with it.” — in his book
Conversations with Myself.
“The ANC has the historical responsibility to lead
our nation and help build a united non-racial society” — to ANC supporters in
a pre-recorded message ahead of April 2009 elections.
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