I enjoyed the discipline and solitariness of long-distance running, which allowed me to escape from the hurly-burly of school life.

There is no such thing as part freedom.

I was not a messiah, but an ordinary man who had become a leader because of extraordinary circumstances.

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

Leaders in all spheres who are living with HIV should be encouraged, not coerced, to lead by example and disclose their HIV status.

We have triumphed in the effort to implant hope in the breasts of the millions of our people. We enter into a covenant that we shall build the society in which all South Africans, both black and white, will be able to walk tall, without any fear in their hearts, assured of their inalienable right to human dignity — a rainbow nation at peace with itself and the world.

When the water starts boiling it is foolish to turn off the heat.