"Αν και έχω λάβει πολλά βραβεία για τη συμβολή μου στην παγκόσμια ειρήνη, εξεπλάγην ευχάριστα όταν άκουσα ότι ο λαός της χώρας σας αποφάσισε να μου απονείμει αυτή την τιμή", έγραψε ο Μαντέλα.
"Although I have received many awards for my contribution to world peace, I was pleasantly surprised when I heard that people from your country decided to present me with this honour," wrote Mandela.