We owe our children – the most vulnerable citizens in any society – a life free from violence and fear.
Nelson MandelaRead
There is an absence of democratic accountability and control in every sphere of government and the state. To address this debilitating legacy requires determined action and a deep commitment to transforming our society from a crisis ridden present into something all South Africans can be truly proud of.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Democratic accountability is lacking in governance and needs to be addressed for societal transformation.
In this quote, Nelson Mandela highlights the importance of democratic accountability in government and the state. He calls for a deep commitment to reforming society, stating that to overcome the challenges faced by South Africa, collective and determined action is required to transform it into a nation that all its citizens can take pride in.
Themes
DemocracyAccountabilitySocietyTransformationActionCommitment
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a speech about the importance of civic engagement in democratic processes.
More from Nelson Mandela
All quotes →What freedom am I being offered while the organization of the people remains banned? Only free men can negotiate. A prisoner cannot enter into contracts.
Nelson MandelaRead
The past is a rich resource on which we can draw in order to make decisions for the future, but it does not dictate our choices. We should look back at the past and select what is good, and leave behind what is bad.
Nelson MandelaRead
We signal that good can be achieved amongst human beings who are prepared to trust, prepared to believe in the goodness of people.
Nelson MandelaRead
After one has been in prison, it is the small things that one appreciates: being able to take a walk whenever one wants, going into a shop and buying a newspaper, speaking or choosing to remain silent. The simple act of being able to control one's person.
Nelson MandelaRead
I dream of the realization of the unity of Africa, whereby its leaders combine in their efforts to solve the problems of this continent. I dream of our vast deserts, of our forests, of all our great wildernesses.
Nelson MandelaRead
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