South African President Quotes

What an honor it was to step into the shoes of Nelson Mandela and portray a man who defied odds, broke down barriers, and championed human rights before the eyes of the world.

The first time I was privileged to meet president Mandela was during his visit to Malawi... shortly after he was released from prison. I was amazed by his humility and his great sense of leadership... Mandela's character has shaped my life.

Nelson Mandela is my hero outside of football. I was fortunate enough to meet him a couple of times. He was really clued up on his football and he knew me, so that was just unbelievable. It really stuck with me.

The world has lost a visionary leader, a courageous voice for justice, and a clear moral compass. By showing us that the path to freedom and human dignity lies in love, wisdom and compassion for one another, Nelson Mandela stands as an inspiration to us all.

The world thanks you for sharing Nelson Mandela with us.

My greatest hero is Nelson Mandela. What a man. Incarcerated for 25 years, he was released in 1990 and he hasn't reoffended. I think he's going straight, which shows you prison does work.

Nelson Mandela was one of the most influential people in my life. He was my hero, my friend, and also a companion to me in our fight for the people and for world peace. Let us all continue his legacy with purpose and passion.

There were only 3 people that I wanted to meet in life, Nelson Mandela was one of them. What a life, what a journey, what a man. Thank you for passing this way! God bless your resting soul!

Nelson Mandela was a man of incomparable honor, unconquerable strength, and unyielding resolve---a saint to many, a hero to all who treasure liberty, freedom and the dignity of humankind.

People tend to try to find something to talk about Zuma. My surname is very nice and simple. Very simple, so they like pronouncing it all the time. So what's the problem?

History will remember Nelson Mandela as a champion for human dignity and freedom, for peace and reconciliation.

Mandela has played a crucial part in history. He's done some extraordinary things, not only for his country but also for the whole world.

No prisoner in history – in fact, no individual in history - has received so many honors and so much recognition all over the world as Nelson Mandela.

Mandela means a lot to the world. He's something special. There's only a few people in the history of mankind with that kind of charisma.

Nelson Mandela was a towering figure in our time; a legend in life and now in death - a true global hero.

Nelson Mandela stands as an inspiration to us all

One thing we are sure of is there's no one like Nelson Mandela out there. That's too bad for us.

In South Africa, there is only one name that every child knows, every leader invokes, and every grandparent tells their grandchildren about. Madiba.

Mandela once phoned me out of the blue while he was still president, and at first he played with me a bit.

It was wicked meeting Nelson Mandela.