P. W. Botha Quotes

We do not want chaos in South Africa.

There is not an Indian community in the world that is better off than the Indians in South Africa. That is the type of apartheid that I stand for. That is the type of apartheid that is not dead.

I have been to Switzerland before but not to this <nowiki>[</nowiki>Paul Kruger's] house or to a Swiss bank.

Lord Milner had, in the forced Peace of Vereeniging ensured that there was to be no franchise for black people after the introduction of self-government – which was never intended. It was only after half a century that an Afrikaner government started doing something about black rights.

Nelson Mandela can rot in prison until he dies or I die, whichever takes longer.

I am one of those who believe that there is no permanent home for even a section of the Bantu in the white area of South Africa and the destiny of South Africa depends on this essential point. If the principle of permanent residence for the black man in the area of the white is accepted then it is the beginning of the end of civilisation as we know it in this country.

The Cubans are not in Africa out of love.

Unfortunately [South Africa] has been badly repaid for her loyalty because the West has expelled her from the family circle while befriending the most dictatorial regimes on Earth.

Our history is responsible for the differences in the South African way of life.

I never have the nagging doubt of wondering whether perhaps I am wrong.

No Prime Minister before me has been attacked more viciously than I am today.

We dare not see ourselves as a chosen people. We are called people - called to a particular task, just as every nation is a called people.

Half a century ago in this court I was sworn in as the Member of Parliament for George. And here I am today … I am not better than General De Wet. I am not better than President Steyn. Like them I stand firm in my principles. I can do no different. So help me God.

Knowing [Mandela] will start up with violence again, I, as a responsible head of state, must release him so that he can carry on with his violence, and then arrest him? What a nonsensical argument.

I am sick and tired of the hollow parrot-cry of “Apartheid!” I’ve said many times that the word “Apartheid” means good neighbourliness.