Nelson Mandela
Illustration, not an archive object
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.
“I am the First Accused.”
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
“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.”
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