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Far from the rough and tumble of the politics of our own country. I would like to take this opportunity to join the Norwegian Nobel Committee and pay tribute to my joint laureate. Mr. F.W. de Klerk. He had the courage to admit that a terrible wrong had been done to our country and people through the imposition of the system of apartheid. He had the foresight to understand and accept that all the people of South Africa must through negotiations and as equal participants in the process, together determine what they want to make of their future.

Nelson Mandela#22

PeaceEqualityApartheidReconciliationCourageNegotiation

About this quote

What does it mean?
Mandela honors de Klerk for admitting apartheid was wrong and accepting negotiation with all people as equals to shape the future.
In plain terms
De Klerk showed courage by admitting past wrongs and working with all people as equals.
What can you take from it?
Admitting past wrongs and treating all as equals enables peaceful transition.

Where it applies

  • political transition
  • peace process
  • truth and reconciliation

Putting it to work

  • acknowledge past injustices
  • include all parties in talks
  • define future together

Questions to consider

  • What courage is needed to admit a terrible wrong?
  • How do you ensure all parties feel equal in talks?

Another view

Acknowledging past wrongs does not guarantee future cooperation.

More from Nelson Mandela

  1. In relation to these matters, we appeal to those who govern Burma that they release our fellow Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Aung San Suu Kyi, and engage her and…

    Permalink to quote #21
  2. We live with the hope that as she battles to remake herself, South Africa, will be like a microcosm of the new world that is striving to be born. This must be …

    Permalink to quote #23
  3. The value of our shared reward will and must be measured by the joyful peace which will triumph, because the common humanity that bonds both black and white in…

    Permalink to quote #20

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