I discovered even before I went to jail that apartheid was not run by people who were monolithic in their approach. Some of them didn't even believe in apartheid.

Give a child love, laughter and peace, not AIDS.

The day I am afraid to do, that is the day I am no longer fit to lead.

Live life as though nobody is watching, and express yourself as though everyone is listening.

There will be life after Mandela. On my last day I want to know that those who remain behind will say: 'The man who lies here has done his duty for his country and his people.'

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 am not truly free if I am taking away someone else's freedom, just as surely as I am not free when my freedom is taken from me. The oppressed and the oppressor alike are robbed of their humanity.