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Quotes: Mandela in his own words
This picture shows a framed image of former South African president Nelson Mandela as people pay tributes following his death, in Johannesburg on December 6, 2013. Nelson Mandela, the revered icon of South Africa's anti-apartheid struggle and a towering figure of 20th century politics, died on December 5 aged 95. AFP PHOTO / ALEXANDER JOE
Nelson Mandela seduced audiences with his wit, then often bludgeoned them with his observations. Here is a collection of some of his most memorable quotes:
"I HAVE fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But, if need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die."
- At the Rivonia treason trial in 1964, when Mandela faced the possibility of a death sentence.
"MY greatest regret in life is that I never became the heavyweight boxing champion of the world."
"IT is not the kings and generals that make history but the masses of the people, the workers, the peasants, the doctors, the clergy."
"NO power on Earth can stop an oppressed people determined to win their freedom."
"ARMED struggle must be a movement intended to hit at the symbols of oppression and not to slaughter human beings."
BEFORE the 1994 elections: "If there is anything I am conscious about, it is not to frighten the minorities, especially the white minority. We are not going to live as fat cats."
ON his inauguration as president: "We enter into a covenant that we shall build a 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."
ON leaving the presidency: "I step down with a clear conscience, feeling that I have in a small way done my duty to my people and my country."
TO Archbishop Desmond Tutu on marrying Graca Machel at the age of 80, after having lived with her: "Now you won't shout at me and say I am setting a bad example."
"MY own enjoyment of the enriching and warm experiences is then always also tempered by the knowledge that the vast majority of the people on our planet are denied even some of the most basic privileges most of us take for granted."
OF Afrikaners: "Decent people who have been misled by their leaders."
"DURING the times of tensions, it is not the talented people who excel, who come to the top, it is the extremists who shout slogans."
WHEN Germany pipped South Africa for the 2006 Soccer World Cup: "At least we have the right to get drunk ... next time we will win."
