Mandela’s Perspective on South Africa’s Historical Moment:
Mandela characterized the moment as exciting due to significant achievements in the past three years, including the installation of a transitional executive council to prepare for free and fair elections and the setting of an election date for April 27, 1994. He emphasized the significance of this date as not just a voting day but a date of liberation.

The Role of Sanctions in South Africa’s Progress:
Mandela believed that sanctions were a crucial weapon in the hands of those committed to democratic values worldwide. He attributed the progress made towards democratic values to the pressure applied by the international community, with sanctions representing the most formidable form of pressure on South Africa.

Afrikaner Homeland Demands and Mandela’s Compromise:
Mandela rejected the demand for an Afrikaner homeland based on ethnicity, considering it a compromise. He expressed willingness to accommodate Afrikaners within a regional plan, allowing them to settle in areas where other groups could also reside with full rights of citizenship.

Mandela’s Views on Civil War and His Trust in General Filiu:
Mandela believed that civil war was unlikely in South Africa, as the right wing consisted of moderate and extreme parties. He placed trust in General Filiu’s influence and commitment to peaceful negotiations, stating that he had met with him and was prepared to work with him on the basis of his integrity.

Mandela’s Approach to Negotiations and His Collective Leadership:
Mandela emphasized the power of negotiations and dialogue in achieving progress, citing the lifting of the ban on the ANC, the removal of the state of emergency, the release of political prisoners, and the return of exiles as examples. He stressed the importance of collective leadership within the ANC, downplaying the notion of individual leadership and highlighting the input of his colleagues.

Challenges Facing Mandela:
Mandela acknowledged the significant challenges he faced, including rebuilding the economy while addressing demands from both conservatives and the ANC, as well as dealing with Chief Budulazi’s demands. He expressed optimism about overcoming these challenges through negotiations and dialogue, pointing to the solid progress made despite the complexities of South Africa’s political landscape.

Negotiations and the Vision for a New South Africa:
Chief Buthelezi emphasizes the need for caution and careful analysis despite the challenges facing South Africa. Dr. Mandela’s vision for South Africa includes a Bill of Rights, multiparty democracy, regular elections, and proportional representation. The ANC has developed a draft constitution and agrees to an interim constitution before the election.

Collective Leadership and Mandela’s Potential Presidency:
Mandela acknowledges his role in collective leadership but expresses willingness to serve in any position his people desire. Expectations and challenges of the presidency are discussed, including meeting the high expectations of the people.

Addressing the Needs of the People:
Mandela acknowledges the devastation caused by apartheid and the need for realistic expectations. The process of addressing concerns and needs will require time, reorganization, and resource mobilization.

The Importance of Investment and International Support:
Mandela emphasizes the need for investment and international support to rebuild the country. The lifting of sanctions and positive responses from various organizations are seen as encouraging signs.

Investor Concerns and Reassurance:
Mandela acknowledges investor concerns regarding violence and political stability. He stresses the need for joint control of security forces and a democratic government to instill investor confidence. The ANC’s investment guide aims to address fears and ensure the safety of investments.

Mandela’s Optimism and Belief in Change:
Mandela reflects on the unexpected achievements in South Africa, including the release of political prisoners and the return of exiles. He expresses confidence in the ability of South Africans to create a stable environment that will attract investment.

Mandela’s Perspective on His Imprisonment:
Mandela expressed his belief that he and his comrades would be released from prison and have the opportunity to shape South Africa’s destiny. He emphasized that his statement about returning was a collective approach discussed with his colleagues.

Dealing with the Loss of Oliver Tambo:
Mandela expressed his grief and respect for Oliver Tambo, a lifelong friend and comrade who contributed significantly to the African National Congress (ANC). He acknowledged the difficulty of not having Tambo present to witness the fruition of their efforts.

Thabo Mbeki as Tambo’s Successor:
Mandela introduced Thabo Mbeki as a rising star in the ANC, expressing confidence in his ability to fill the gap left by Tambo’s death.

Maintaining Strength and Integrity in Prison:
Mandela found inspiration in the knowledge that the ideas of liberation were alive and that people inside and outside the country supported their struggle. Sharing experiences with fellow prisoners, including Govan Mbiki, Walter Susulu, and others, provided tremendous support.

Importance of the Garden in Prison:
Mandela described moments of despair and discouragement during his imprisonment. The garden served as a source of solace and a reminder of the natural world, providing a sense of peace and tranquility amidst the harsh prison environment. Mandela found comfort in the garden’s beauty and the act of nurturing plants, which symbolized growth and hope.

The Emotional Toll of Abandoning Family:
The speaker expressed doubt and constant concern over abandoning his wife and children, leaving them vulnerable to persecution and humiliation. Being hounded by security police, forced job dismissals, and the inability to protect and guide his family caused immense pain.

Finding Solace in Reading and Gardening:
Reading political works, biographies, and novels provided solace and enjoyment during imprisonment. Gardening became a source of elevation and fulfillment, with a focus on growing a variety of vegetables. The speaker gained knowledge and experience in farming, particularly in cultivating vegetables like tomatoes, spinach, onion, beetroot, eggplants, and strawberries.

Boxing as a Metaphor for Life’s Challenges:
Boxing taught the speaker discipline, strategic thinking, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Lessons from boxing, such as knowing when to advance, retreat, negotiate, and defend, are applicable to political and military warfare. The importance of studying an opponent, staying focused, and concentrating on body punches to wear them down. The speaker emphasized the need for careful observation and analysis of one’s adversaries.

Negotiation Approach:
In negotiations aimed at building a country, victory is not the primary objective. The focus is on achieving a victory for the people as a whole, not for any political party or individual. All political parties involved should be strong to effectively represent their constituencies and speak with a unified voice during negotiations.

Love for Country:
The speaker grapples with the question of whether he loves his country more than anything else. He acknowledges the difficulty in answering, given his family and children. The speaker draws a parallel between his country and a marriage, emphasizing the unbreakable bond and sense of duty towards it. He expresses his love for his country and acknowledges the sacrifices he has made, including spending time away from his family due to his political involvement.

Anecdote about Grandson:
The speaker shares an anecdote about his ten-year-old grandson, who asked for a motor car as a birthday gift. The speaker took his grandson to the shops to buy the car, and while walking hand-in-hand, the grandson asked if he could drive the car. The speaker was amused by his grandson’s request, highlighting the innocence and aspirations of children.

Loss of Personal Identity:
Mandela’s public image as a leader and grandfather figure overshadowed his personal relationships. His grandson became upset when Mandela greeted others instead of him, showing the shift in their relationship. Mandela’s focus on the organization and the struggle for freedom caused him pain in neglecting his family.

Balancing Personal and Political Life:
Mandela acknowledged the importance of spousal support and inspiration. He left his joint household to focus on his political work, a difficult decision due to his wife’s sacrifices during his imprisonment. Mandela respected his wife’s right to have her own political views, emphasizing the acceptance of democratic principles.

Sacrifices and Bloodshed:
Mandela and his colleagues believed the sacrifices, toll, and bloodshed they endured were necessary for South Africa’s future. Their commitment to peaceful and nonviolent struggle remained steadfast.

Historical Context of Violence:
Mandela asserted that the ANC’s use of arms against the regime was a direct response to the regime’s repressive policies and violence. He emphasized that the responsibility for the bloodshed and suffering lies with the regime and not solely with the ANC.

Transparency and Accountability:
Mandela acknowledged the existence of violence within ANC camps and expressed pride in the ANC’s willingness to take public responsibility. He highlighted the ANC’s unique approach of establishing an independent commission to investigate allegations of violence, showcasing honesty and transparency.

Challenges of Maintaining Democracy:
Mandela expressed mixed emotions about the upcoming free elections in South Africa, recognizing the significance of liberation but also acknowledging the difficulties of sustaining democracy. He anticipated formidable challenges that would test the capabilities of those leading the democratic process in the country, including himself.

Conclusion:
The interview ended with Mandela conveying his gratitude for the opportunity to speak on the program and acknowledging his role as a historic figure of the latter part of the 20th century.