---
title: Nelson Mandela
url: https://propagandaarchive.org/quotes/nelson-mandela/
description: 2 verified quotes from Nelson Mandela, African National Congress leader; defendant in the Rivonia trial (1963-1964); later President of South Africa…
section: FRAME
---

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[Quotes](https://propagandaarchive.org/quotes/) · South Africa

# Nelson Mandela

African National Congress leader; defendant in the Rivonia trial (1963-1964); later President of South Africa (1994-1999) · South Africa

2 quotes, oldest first. [Filter with other speakers](https://propagandaarchive.org/quotes/#speaker=nelson-mandela).

1. > “I am the First Accused.” — April 20, 1964 · Testimony · Pretoria Supreme Court, South Africa — Opening words of Mandela's statement as the first defendant when the defence case opened in the Rivonia trial. He spoke in English. — Statement from the dock by Nelson Mandela at the opening of the defence case, Rivonia trial, Pretoria Supreme Court, 20 April 1964 (United Nations Mandela Day page) [Source](https://www.un.org/en/events/mandeladay/court_statement_1964.shtml)
2. > “At the outset, I want to say that the suggestion made by the State in its opening that the struggle in South Africa is under the influence of foreigners or communists is wholly incorrect. I have done whatever I did, both as an individual and as a leader of my people, because of my experience in South Africa and my own proudly felt African background, and not because of what any outsider might have said.” — April 20, 1964 · Testimony · Pretoria Supreme Court, South Africa — Mandela answers the prosecution's opening claim that the struggle was directed by foreigners or communists. He attributes his actions to his own experience in South Africa. — Statement from the dock by Nelson Mandela at the opening of the defence case, Rivonia trial, Pretoria Supreme Court, 20 April 1964 (United Nations Mandela Day page) [Source](https://www.un.org/en/events/mandeladay/court_statement_1964.shtml)