Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice. It is the protection of a fundamental human right, the right to dignity and a decent life . . .

With freedom comes responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk has not ended yet.

There are so many men and women who hold no distinctive positions but whose contribution towards the development of society has been enormous. Some of them are not known even in their own countries, but when you come across them you are very impressed. Those are heroes or heroines we must never forget. Because of their service to society, you can't really help but admire them.

It is not where you start but how high you aim that matters for success.

I was able to change my life by knowing that if somebody does something good for you, you have to respond.

Our people outside of prison used my name to mobilize the community locally and internationally. But for me to be treated separately from my colleagues, who had contributed as much as and even more than I had, would have been a betrayal of them.

The death sentence is a barbaric act . . . It is a reflection of the animal instinct still in human beings.