Blaming things on the past does not make them better.

I cherish my own freedom dearly, but I care even more for your freedom. Too many have died since I went to prison. Too many have suffered for the love of freedom. I owe it to their widows, to their orphans, to their mothers and their fathers, who have grieved and wept for them ..... Not only have I suffered during these long lonely wasted years. I am no less life-loving than you are. But I cannot sell the birthright of the people to be free ....... Only free men can negotiate. Prisoners cannot enter into contracts. Your freedom and mine cannot be separated.

I made a mistake by being ejected from the presidency. Next time, I will choose a Cabinet which will allow me to be life President.

Racism is a blight on the human conscience

If you want to preach a revolutionary message, wear a suit.

Sport can create hope, where once there was only despair

We must also know that even before liberation in 1994 there [in South Africa] were people with resources who tried to share with those who were deprived.