Nelson Mandela by Himself - a definitive book of quotations by Madiba

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela served as the first democratically elected president of South Africa from 1994 to 1999.

Born on 18 July 1918, Mandela passed away on 5 December 2013.

The United Nations officially declared 18 July International Mandela Day in November 2009; ever since it has been celebrated annually as a day dedicated to honouring Mandela’s life and legacy.

Here are eight quotes, as published in Nelson Mandela by Himself: The Authorised Book of Quotations in the section titled ‘Freedom’, to remember this remarkable man by:

1. “It is the task of a new generation to lead and take responsibility; ours has done as well as it could in its time.”

- From a message to the launch of the ANC election manifesto and ninety-seventh anniversary celebrations, Absa Stadium, East London, South Africa, 10 January 2009

2. “We are too old to pretend to be able to contribute to the resolution of those conflicts and tensions on the international front.

It is, therefore, immensely gratifying to note a younger generation of African statespersons emerging.

They will be able to speak with authority about a new world order in which people everywhere will live in equality, harmony and peace.”

- At the fifth annual Nelson Mandela Lecture, Linder Auditorium, Johannesburg, South Africa, 22 July 2007

3. “The long walk continues.”

- Final sitting of the first democratically elected parliament, Cape Town, South Africa, 26 March 1999

4. “The road we have walked has been built by the contribution of all of us; the tools we have used on that road had been fashioned by all of us; the future we face is that of all of us, both in its promises and its demands.”

- At the inauguration of a monument to passive restistance, Umbilo Park, Durban, South Africa, 27 May 2002

5. “Our vision for the future is one of renewed dedication by world leaders in all fields of human interaction to a twenty-first century of peace and reconciliation.” 

- Accepting the German Media Prize, Baden-Baden, Germany, 28 January 1999

6. “All South Africans face the challenge of coming to terms with the past in ways which will enable us to face the future as a united nation at peace with itself.”

- At the inter-faith commissioning service for the TRC (Truth and Reconciliation Commission), St George’s Cathedral, Cape Town, South Africa, 13 February 1996

7. “Let us together turn into reality the glorious vision of a South Africa free of racism. Free of racial antagonisms among our people. No longer a threat to peace. No longer the skunk of the world. Our common victory is certain.”

- Address to the International Labour Conference, Geneva, Switzerland, 8 June 1990

8. “We can build a society grounded on friendship and our common humanity – a society founded on tolerance. That is the only road open to us. It is a road to a glorious future in this beautiful country of ours. Let us join hands and march into the future.”

- From an announcement of the election date, multi-party negotiations process, Kempton Park, South Africa, 17 November 1993

Extracts provided by Pan Macmillan South Africa.