In South Africa, I feel I am a stranger, at best an animal.
Oliver TamboRead
The sanctions will not kill us. It's apartheid that's killing us.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes that the problems faced are not due to external sanctions, but rather the oppressive system of apartheid.
Oliver Tambo highlights the distinction between external pressures, such as sanctions, and the internal struggles caused by the apartheid system in South Africa. He argues that while sanctions may be challenging, it is the systemic oppression and discrimination inherent in apartheid that poses a far greater threat to the lives and well-being of the people. This underscores the importance of addressing the root causes of suffering rather than merely reacting to external factors.
Themes
ApartheidSanctionsOppressionPoliticsJustice
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech addressing human rights violations, one might say, 'Remember, the sanctions will not kill us. Itβs apartheid thatβs killing us.'
More from Oliver Tambo
All quotes βThe more pressure you bring from without, the less internal pressure is necessary.
Oliver TamboRead
How do you deal with a criminal that will not listen to what you have to say and who continues his policy of violence? Some say you continue to talk and let him tire himself out. But nearly 40 years after the institution of apartheid, is there anyone who still believes that verbal persuasion will work?
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The U.S. is the last country that should see itself as an ally of the apartheid system.
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It was of limited usefulness to head great rallies. The government did not listen, and, soon enough, the tear gas and the muzzles of the guns were turned against the people. The justice of our cries went unrecognized.
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It was becoming clear that, from being at the top at Holy Cross, we were at the bottom at St. Peter's. Objectively, this was very good, for it offered us a challenge and an opportunity to grow if we were ready to take it; and we surely were.
Oliver TamboRead
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