"The nationalisation of the mines, banks, and monopoly industries is the policy of the ANC, and a change or modification of our views in this regard is inconceivable."

"I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried to not falter; I have made mistakes along the way. But with all of that, I have arrived at this point, and I stand before you as a humble servant …"

"I would like to be remembered not as a saint but as a humble and dedicated servant of the people."

"The oppressed are allowed once every few years to decide which particular representatives of the oppressing class are to represent and repress them."

"I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear."