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Post date: Dec 06, 2013 11:3:31 AM
On facing the death penalty, Nelson Mandela spoke from the dock at the culmination of the Rivonia Trial in April 1964
“During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. 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 with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to see realised. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.”
On his release from 27 years in prison, addressing crowds from the balcony of Cape Town's City Hall on Sunday February 11, 1990
“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.”
On South Africa's return to the world stage, at his inauguration in Pretoria, May 1994
“Never, never and never again shall it be that this beautiful land will again experience the oppression of one by another and suffer the indignity of being the skunk of the world.”
On racism, from his autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom, published 1994
“No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.”
THE SCOTS COMMUNITY IN SOUTH AFRICA WILL NEVER FORGET YOUR LEADERSHIP, COMPASSION, LOVE AND INSPIRATION TO ALL. WE THANK YOU AND WILL ALWAYS STRIVE TO LIVE UP TO YOUR LEGACY OF RECONCILIATION
Cape Town Caledonian Society
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