That day, Miss Mdingane told me that my new name was Nelson. Why she bestowed this particular name upon me I have no idea. Perhaps it had something to do with the great British sea captain Lord Nelson, but that would be only a guess.

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

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.

In my country we go to prison first and then become President.

Freedom cannot be achieved unless women have been emancipated from all forms of oppression... Our endeavors must be about the liberation of the woman, the emancipation of the man and the liberty of the child.

There can be no greater gift than that of giving one’s time and energy to help others without expecting anything in return.

Sport can create hope, where once there was only despair. It is more powerful than governments in breaking down racial barriers.