Only through hardship, sacrifice and militant action can freedom be won. The struggle is my life. I will continue fighting for freedom until the end of my days.

Our march to freedom is irreversible. We must not allow fear to stand in our way.

I really wanted to retire and rest and spend more time with my children, my grandchildren and of course with my wife.

AIDS today in Africa is claiming more lives than the sum total of all wars, famines and floods and the ravages of such deadly diseases as malaria ... We must act now for the sake of the world.

It is a grave error for any leader to be oversensitive in the face of criticism

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.

No matter what the past has dealt you, don't let it destroy your future.