For our white members, voting is something they have done for hundreds of years. But for us, it is not such a traumatic thing, because we have never participated in an election.

Meaning of the quote

This quote explains that voting has been a normal part of life for white people in South Africa for a very long time, but it has not been the same for Black people. Black people in South Africa have never been able to vote in elections before, so it is not as difficult or stressful for them as it is for white people who are used to voting regularly.

About Mangosuthu Buthelezi

Mangosuthu Buthelezi was a prominent South African politician and Zulu prince who served as the traditional prime minister to the Zulu royal family for over 60 years. He founded the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) in 1975 and played a complex role during the apartheid era and the transition to democracy in South Africa.

More about the author

More quotes from Mangosuthu Buthelezi

South Africa is blessed to have women and men like yourselves who have little to give but give what you have with open hands and open hearts.

Mangosuthu Buthelezi

South African politician (1928-2023)

So long as the Zulu people are here, clearly I will still have a role to play in this country.

Mangosuthu Buthelezi

South African politician (1928-2023)

I remain your servant and I will do as you ask of me.

Mangosuthu Buthelezi

South African politician (1928-2023)

All of our forebears contributed to what South Africa has become. That does not, however, mean that I must apologize to anyone for being born a Zulu, or for having that culture.

Mangosuthu Buthelezi

South African politician (1928-2023)

For our white members, voting is something they have done for hundreds of years. But for us, it is not such a traumatic thing, because we have never participated in an election.

Mangosuthu Buthelezi

South African politician (1928-2023)

I have always believed in dialogue and in nonviolence, and if you look at my background you will see that it has always been my policy to talk to everyone.

Mangosuthu Buthelezi

South African politician (1928-2023)

Others may make you promises, once again, and then election after election not deliver. We will not do this.

Mangosuthu Buthelezi

South African politician (1928-2023)

The candidates before you know that the IFP has set up a system of deployed IFP national and provincial leaders who are not only monitoring the performance of candidates during these elections but will also do so after these elections.

Mangosuthu Buthelezi

South African politician (1928-2023)

And the basis on which we agreed to operate with them involved a manifesto, where it states that we proceed from different ideologies and policies. One thing that we insisted on was that they should take an oath to reject racism and discrimination.

Mangosuthu Buthelezi

South African politician (1928-2023)

Clearly you need a new team to go out to bat on your behalf; to fight for your rights and to report back to you personally and to the leadership of the IFP.

Mangosuthu Buthelezi

South African politician (1928-2023)

Personally, I believe in self-determination, but in the context of one South Africa – so that my self-determination is based in this region, and with my people.

Mangosuthu Buthelezi

South African politician (1928-2023)

I am not the kind of leader who pontificates about what should be done – I don’t operate on scenarios, and I am not a prophet.

Mangosuthu Buthelezi

South African politician (1928-2023)

We are here because we are determined to offer the people of the Western Cape choices which are long overdue.

Mangosuthu Buthelezi

South African politician (1928-2023)

In Hanover Park they highlighted the terrible plight of backyard dwellers and the fact that year after year nothing has been done to help you: the hope and despair you all live with every day.

Mangosuthu Buthelezi

South African politician (1928-2023)

AIDS is the biggest challenge, the major disaster facing this country and we would have wished for something more specific and far-reaching.

Mangosuthu Buthelezi

South African politician (1928-2023)

I rejected the armed struggle because, as a Christian, I am committed to a nonviolent and peaceful struggle. But people take their own initiatives, because it is a Lebanon type of situation here.

Mangosuthu Buthelezi

South African politician (1928-2023)

The politics of the Cape Town Metro, which allows an executive Mayoral committee to make secret decisions which affect you, behind closed doors, is wrong!

Mangosuthu Buthelezi

South African politician (1928-2023)

I have been in America only once since Mr. Clinton became your president – as a speaker at the United Nations.

Mangosuthu Buthelezi

South African politician (1928-2023)

The IFP is here to put into practice what we preach.

Mangosuthu Buthelezi

South African politician (1928-2023)

I was proud to call Dr Rupert a friend. He was always a wonderful source of support and kindness.

Mangosuthu Buthelezi

South African politician (1928-2023)

We have our own history, our own language, our own culture. But our destiny is also tied up with the destinies of other people – history has made us all South Africans.

Mangosuthu Buthelezi

South African politician (1928-2023)

Well, surely, I am not in charge of South Africa.

Mangosuthu Buthelezi

South African politician (1928-2023)

My people have been sucked into the violence because some feel they have to retaliate, and some feel they have to protect themselves.

Mangosuthu Buthelezi

South African politician (1928-2023)

My party is committed to a federation.

Mangosuthu Buthelezi

South African politician (1928-2023)