Speech Upon Release from Pollsmoor

"On this day of my release, I extend my sincere and warmest gratitude to the millions of my compatriots and those in every corner of the globe who have campaigned tirelessly for my release. I extend special greetings to the people of Cape Town, the city through which -- which has been my home for three decades. Your mass marches and other forms of struggle have served as a constant source of strength to all political prisoners."

"I salute the African National Congress. It has fulfilled our every expectation in its role as leader of the great march to freedom."

"I salute our president, Comrade Oliver Tambo, for leading the ANC even under the most difficult circumstances."

"I salute combatants of Umkhonto We Sizwe, like Solomon Mahlangu and Ashley Kriel, who have paid the ultimate price for the freedom of all South Africans."

"Our march to freedom is irreversible. We must not allow fear to stand in our way. Universal suffrage on a common voters' role in a united democratic and non-racial South Africa is the only way to peace and racial harmony."