I am fundamentally an optimist. Whether that comes from nature or nurture, I cannot say. Part of being optimistic is keeping one's head pointed toward the sun, one's feet moving forward. There were many dark moments when my faith in humanity was sorely tested, but I would not and could not give myself up to despair. That way lays defeat and death.

Regarding African education in this country, there was a time when the government took no interest whatsoever in African education. It was the churches, that part of civil society, which bought land, built schools, and employed and paid teachers. People like myself, right from grade eight up to university, I was in missionary schools.

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.'

I have been influenced in my thinking by both west and east.

No child in Africa, and in fact anywhere in the world, should be denied education.

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

If you want the cooperation of humans around you, you must make them feel they are important - and you do that by being genuine and humble.