Nelson Mandela Responds to Reporters' Questions

Highlights from Nelson Mandela's interview Friday with reporters at his 90th birthday celebration:

———

Q: What is the message you would like to share with the children of the world, the children of the continent and South Africa?

A: Whether you are going to stay long depends on yourself and your behavior. It is possible for anybody to reach this age. The only problem, of course, is that when you go to the country, even in town, poverty has gripped our people. And if you are poor it is not likely for you to live for a long time.

———

Q: When you look back, is there any memory you are most fond of?

A: I am happy that I have lived until now because there are not many people who look after themselves and can live for such a long time. I am happy that I am still alive.

———

Q: Is there anything you wish you had done differently? I have spoken to your wife and many of your grandchildren and they suggested that perhaps you wished you'd spent more time with your family. Is that something you think about as you look back?

A: I am sure for many people that is their wish and I also have that wish that I spent more time (with my family). ... I don't regret it because the things that attracted me were things that pleased my soul.

———

Q: What is your message for world leaders and also to South African leaders?

A: There are many people in South Africa who are rich, who can share those riches with people who are not so fortunate, who have not been able to conquer poverty.

———

Q: There is a whole industry that has been created around your legacy. What do you think your legacy is?

A: No. I wouldn't like to deal with that. That is for the people to deal with. But I am very happy that I have lived until now. And I hope many South Africans and other people will live like this so they could be the object of admiration.

———

Q: Today is not only your birthday but your wedding anniversary. Perhaps you could reflect on 10 years of marriage?

A: It's not easy to talk about the 10 years of my marriage, except to say that I am happy to have had a wife like her.