Nelson Mandela - The voice

Moments in South African History

Former president Nelson Mandela wasn't a brilliant orator like Winston Churchill, John F Kennedy, Martin Luther King or Barack Obama. But Mandela was one of the most quoted and influential people in the world. And he often got standing ovations without even saying a word. Such was the appreciation of his sacrifices, lack of retribution and commitment to democracy. When Mandela did speak, though, he measured his words, spoke confidently, and often disarmed everyone with his unique brand of humour. Angie Kapelianis highlights some of Nelson Mandela's classic sound bites in almost half a century from 1961 to 2009. Credits: Angie Kapelianis, Danny Booysen, the SABC Media Library and ITN. © SABC 2020. No unauthorised use, copying, adaptation or reproduction permitted without prior written consent of the SABC.