"President Nelson Mandela has become an inspiration, has become a hope, not only to South Africa, but to the rest of the African continent, which is still troubled by problems... We were misunderstood when we fought for freedom, because we were prepared to stand up and fight for peace and justice. Because we did so, we were branded terrorists" — a wrong interpretation of our peace-loving people. I am always grateful that, in his lifetime, Nelson Mandela was able to get out of prison and to walk amongst all of you to prove wrong the propaganda that misled everyone about his love for peace...

"[We are] grateful to our country and to President Mandela. We believe his spirit lives, and we believe that even when he will be out of office in less than a year, he will still be with us and guiding us. And, through your prayers, we will be able to hold the fort and continue where he will have left off and make our nation even better with our energies" — we who are still young.