Out of the experience of extraordinary human disaster that lasted too long, must be born a society of which all humanity will be proud.

Whose life testifies to the truth that there is no shame in being oppressed: Those who should be ashamed are they who oppress others.

Friends, Comrades and fellow South Africans. I greet you all in the name of peace, democracy and freedom for all. I stand here before you not as a prophet but as a humble servant of you, the people. Your tireless and heroic sacrifices have made it possible for me to be here today. I therefore place the remaining years of my life in your hands.

We should take heart from our own experience and performance. In a cynical world we have become an inspiration to many.

If you are negotiating you must do so in a spirit of reconciliation, not from the point of view of issuing ultimatums.

An organisation can only carry out its mandate if there is discipline, and where there is no discipline there can be no real progress

I have always admired men and women who used their talents to serve the community, and who were highly respected and admired for their efforts and sacrifices, even though they held no office whatsoever in government or society.