He knew when to compromise. Yet he never compromised his principles. He was a militant. Yet a militant who knew how to plan, assess concrete situations and emerge with rational solutions to problems.

We must look within ourselves, become responsible and provide fresh solutions if we ever want to do more than complain,or make excuses.

Remember to celebrate milestones as you prepare for the road ahead.

It is my deepest conviction that the children should be seen and heard as our most treasured assets.

As the years progress one increasingly realises the importance of friendship and human solidarity. And if a 90-year-old may offer some unsolicited advice on this occasion, it would be that you, irrespective of your age, should place human solidarity, the concern for the other, at the centre of the values by which you live.

Good men and women can be mobilized to ensure that South Africa is united and that the spirit of reconciliation is strengthened and that progress in this country takes place as fast as it can.

We must nurture tolerance, collective wisdom, and democracy.