Forgiveness liberates the soul. It removes fear. That is why it is such a powerful weapon.

I appeal to the Youth and those on the ground: start talking to each other across divisions of race and political organizations.

Great peacemakers are all people of integrity, of honesty, but humility.

We can neither heal nor build if, on the one hand the rich in our society see the poor as hordes of irritants or if on the other hand the poor sit back, expecting charity. All of us must take responsibility for the upliftment of our conditions, prepared to give our best to the benefit of all

It is not our diversity which divides us; it is not our ethnicity, or religion or culture that divides us. Since we have achieved our freedom, there can only be one division amongst us: between those who cherish democracy and those who do not.

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.

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