"But the violence which we chose to adopt was not terrorism. We who formed Umkhonto were all members of the African National Congress, and had behind us the ANC tradition of non-violence and negotiation as a means of solving political disputes. We believe that South Africa belongs to all the people who live in it, and not to one group, be it black or white. We did not want an interracial war, and tried to avoid it to the last minute. If the Court is in doubt about this, it will be seen that the whole history of our organization bears out what I have said, and what I will subsequently say, when I describe the tactics which Umkhonto decided to adopt."
Quote Details
Added by wikiquote-import-bot
Unverified quote
0 likes
RevolutionariesPolitical activistsNobel Peace Prize laureatesPresidents of South AfricaActivists from South Africa
Original Language: English
Available Languages (1)
Sources
Imported from EN Wikiquote
https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Nelson_Mandela
Revision History
No revisions have been submitted for this quote.
Categories
Related Quotes
"The true test of our devotion to freedom is just beginning. I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not…"
"During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domina…"
"For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of…"
"I hate race discrimination most intensely and in all its manifestations. I have fought it all during my life; I fight…"
"It is fit and proper to raise the question sharply, what is this rigid color-bar in the administration of justice? Wh…"
"In its proper meaning equality before the law means the right to participate in the making of the laws by which one i…"
"I must deal immediately and at some length with the question of violence. Some of the things so far told to the Court…"
"Ethiopia has always held a special place in my own imagination and the prospect of visiting attracted me more strongl…"
"There are thousands of people who feel that it is useless and futile for us to continue talking peace and non-violenc…"
"I have already mentioned that I was one of the persons who helped to form Umkhonto. I, and the others who started the…"