Nelson Mandela - Town Hall Interview (June 21, 1990)

This ABC News special features the first interview granted by Nelson Mandela on his 1990 visit to the United States. Mr. Mandela speaks with Ted Koppel for 71 minutes and answers questions from the studio audience. Topics covered include his 27 years in South Africa's prisons, the struggle against apartheid and its eventual collapse, and the future of a united South Africa. News footage and analysis bookend the interview and place the viewer unfamiliar with events in context. Shared for historical purposes. I do not own the rights.
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[@petergreen5337]

It's DECADES to acquire this level and political skill, credibility and human connection. At the time of his release, people knew he was good but to watch in real time was very impressive, reassuring and finally amazing.

[@larryroe1920]

St. JOHN Chapter (14) LET not your heart ❤️ be troubled : you believe in God.believe also in me. town hall interview (June/21/1990) Nelson Mandela Host Ted Koppel bless us Father God JESUS CHIST savoir of the world pmod Compton buffalo soldiers nonprofit organization for the awareness of who we really are

[@Aurabora54321]

This interview was blistering, with integrity and clearly articulated policy and diplomacy. Nelson Mandela's intelligence and command of logic and the persuasive language to convey his mission with wit and humor. What an astounding interview! If only the USA had a leader of Nelson Mandela's metal, courage and brilliance.

[@ericirorere9503]

A man that does not compromise his integrity or principles.....A man with morals and values.

[@glenblignaut9977]

Does Satan do that?

[@brightscofield1606]

“For anybody who changes his principles depending on whom he’s dealing is not a man who can lead a nation.” Nelson Mandela

[@mattwooten7421]

Trump must feel personally attacked.

[@gregoryedwardson4032]

Well said Matt

[@mumishr]

True

[@josebenitez471]

.

[@Kumzle]

That is Lindsey Graham

[@ravishanker6925]

Thanks for this invaluable interaction!!! Mandela was so wise and was not hesitant to state his principled positions. I was totally awed by his clarity of thought and fearlessness.

[@mcheatle8270]

Very eloquent also.

[@kaybeekaybee2874]

When diplomacy, wisdom, confident and wittiness meet❤❤❤. What powerful leader Madiba was!!!

[@NdishishiAfunde-kk3lf]

Simply charismatic

[@Bigboss1.559]

How can you not be smart? He had a lot of time to prepare. He was negotiating for his life not just for the nation

[@HARN255]

Wisdom at its Peak! What a Man! Rest in Peace, Nelson Mandela. You belong to the Heavens!

[@daynehaworth9258]

Excellent example of diplomacy, political acumen and wisdom. What a great man... I am proudly South African 🇿🇦 and thankful to this great man for bringing down the mighty stronghold of Apartheid with love, humility, boldness and determination.

[@glenblignaut9977]

Great however the Guptas and Nigerian drug dealers now run this country with corrupt cops were screwed

[@user-qc8vj3vp9v]

Agree with you 1 million %. One Love❤

[@Jake-nk4wg]

@@user-qc8vj3vp9v Me too!!!! :)

[@samayo9746]

facts

[@Kelimathurra]

Free Palestine 🇵🇸🇵🇸

[@stevenfatyela3745]

I'm South Africa raised and born, Tata Nelson ws a leader with effective principals and the so-called oppressor was not ready for that immediate change. Rest in peace my great superhero leader. In the year 2024 still watching this great interview.

[@cristocapaccioli1596]

👍

[@bigbulk688]

Fellow South African here. RIP great leader.

[@roxiebruce530]

Mandela was so warm, graceful, charismatic, respectful and great leader! I wish I was there to see him in person but very grateful for this video of his powerful words of wisdom! He was a strong but resilient man overcoming 27 years in prison to free his people from apartheid and white supremacy!

[@glenblignaut9977]

Jip he stayed in prison for a while not in Robbin Island all the time now we are all screwed

[@ammmccra]

No wonder this man received the Nobel award. He was indeed a legend.

[@SibusisoHlophe-dp5lq]

He is indeed a legend. Is. Not was. Legend is derived from legacy. His legacy lives on therefore you say he IS a legend. Not past tense.

[@saliminabah7597]

Ppq​@@SibusisoHlophe-dp5lq

[@rasesaclemi4664]

The only leader we ever had in SA. Each time I watch this video I become emotional as I reflect on what is happening in SA at the moment. 🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦

[@spongytiggah8642]

Yeah..what get on the media is quite different to what happens on the ground. This interview could be staged. What is happening in SA right now would've been solved back in 94, but some1 thought it was a great idea to kill Chris Han.

[@leratotakalo5997]

Me too😢

Love the way he handled each person. Straight Coffee no cream! He was truly one of a kind. His answer cut like a knife. Precise and to the point. Your enemy is not my enemy! Loved it.

[@sinker0]

ted koppel navigated this quite well..."i dont know if i have paralyzed you"...koppel knew what he was up against and never tried to rival him. Bravo

[@reallybangtan]

wow very powerful. i love how he stands firm on what he believes in regardless of other opinions. madiba is a legend and will always be remembered as such. this interview is epic

[@amidahsalahuddin8247]

Thank you so much for sharing this historical moment in our lives. I was blessed to have a daughter who developed a wonderful experience with The Mandela Family during the administration’ of the late Honorable David Dinkins. Harlem has welcomed legendary leaders as well as trailblazers. Thank you again. Everyone has a right to their opinion. No one can take away your achievements in this life or in death. I watched this video many times because I learn something new each time. I am an elder and I never stop learning and growing myself. Praying for humanity.

[@jaleelmuhammad2222]

What a powerful representation of character and strength under immense pressure to adopt Jewish views! Mr. Mandela will forever live in our hearts as a steward of resistance and change in the 21st century. reelblack you outdid yourself with this upload. I'm very appreciative and will have my 8 year old son to watch and learn from this video. Peace and love from Chicago!

[@keketsokoalane2765]

Yeah he paralyzed him ....this man

[@cecilemuntu5401]

@@keketsokoalane2765 he was paralyzed

[@JSmusiqalthinka]

(Zooms in on "Jewish views") Hold up...what?

[@jaleelmuhammad2222]

@@JSmusiqalthinka , on scale they're very arrogant and never publicly acknowledge when they're wrong!

[@JSmusiqalthinka]

@@jaleelmuhammad2222 That's still gonna be a yikes from me

[@LogicAtItsFinest]

President Mandela is a powerful speaker with God given Wisdom. Some of those questions were cleverly designed to trip him, but they failed miserably.

[@zainabinti5170]

Excatly!!!!

[@johnwebb2442]

True

[@julienrumbelow985]

Exactly true

[@glenblignaut9977]

Exactly, however the ANC destroyed South Africa afterwards.Satan is also a hot guy not Nelson however hmmm he is a great orator despite his prison number being 46664 and they sai 46 664 and so forth whatever that means or try and dispute. Cuba survives and they have many inept mechanics and docters here one that misdiagnosed my grandmother and she died in extreme pain in Welkom (a mining town). South Africa was an advanced country with beautiful cities and towns. The ANC due to lack rule allowed 75000 Nigerian druglords into this country in one year 1995 -see THE STAR newspapers headlines then. There drug legion is here now. Have a good one.

[@user-qc8vj3vp9v]

Exactly 💯 💯

[@FrankKig]

What a wise man. It wasn’t fair to be bombarded with world issues after release from prison. Issues like that was fair when he was a president or a united nation representative. Rip Madiba they will never be another one just like you. The world is still at a great loss because of you. It’s ironic that all the subjects of all people in this interview are all gone too. Also Rip Tedd Capple, Yassa Alfat, Fedel Castral, and many others mentioned in this interview. It looks like this was long time ago, but this was as yesterday because I still remember the joy around the world when Mandela was just released from prison. Amen.

[@menzimngadi6793]

The precision in the answers and arguments is just something else...

[@abdulbasitabubakar9650]

I have watched this video over a hundred times since I saw it on KZbin.What a great man Nelson Mandela was:

[@gordonodhiambo1128]

The icon who have refused to die till date. still living with us in us,

[@samogavorto8763]

Mr. Mandela has been my hero ever since I knew of his existence, and I deplore what is happening in his country now.

[@timonkaple-wena6002]

Humanity in the form of a man

[@eddriver7815]

Me too //// I laughed and at times I cried too as I watched him make fools out of asses /// like how he kicked Adelmans ass ... Speaking of Israel and it's own Apartheid /// that ass ADELMAN JUST WALKED INTO A RIGHT HOOK ... NEVER TO BE SEEM AGAIN . wakeee wakee mr Adelman you can get up now mr Adelman ... the big bad BlackMan is gone

[@PalesaTheSocialWorker]

What a phenomenal leader, Our President Mandela. Wisdom was his portion. All his quotes are still relavant and necessary to take strength from to this day. Thank you BlackReel for uploading this video. My son who's 3years now will be able to watch this video and absord as much wisfom as possible from it. God bless everyone on Earth for fighting against injustice direct or indirect 🌎

[@MichaelIngram-i4y]

Nelson Mandela is in my opinion one of the great statesmen of history . The South Africa that I now live in and love would have been destroyed if not for this great man

[@williamwooten6156]

amandla awethu

[@timothytoroitich2302]

The greatest man that ever lived.

[@GrayGamer889]

Wow this man was born specifically to lead. I wish more people, black and white, would benefit from his example

[@PieterCoetzee-zl7ms]

I am living in the moment NOW IN RSA BUT ANC IS KILLING SOUTH AFRICA IS RIFE WHITE PEOPLE CANT GET JOBS & FARM MURDERS

[@sobangiwamasilela3472]

“The aim is not to live forever, but to create something that might.” The courage of this great man will live for another century, at the least.

[@glenblignaut9977]

He tried and warned people but it didn't work.

[@SibusisoHlophe-dp5lq]

@@glenblignaut9977 They fell short of his glory. After HIM, none was worthy.

[@Kelimathurra]

Free Palestine 🇵🇸🇵🇸 If he’s alive now, he’ll going to support Palestine

[@Kelimathurra]

Free Palestine 🇵🇸🇵🇸 If he’s alive now, he’ll going to support Palestine

[@DevanteLivingston]

For million of years To come ❤🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@ddkle1]

Rest in peace Mr Mandela, blessed and fortunate to watch numerous videos of yours. What a great character.

[@unakoontei5556]

❤

[@johnb7032]

[@JerryItai-h9s]

Still watching Sir Nelson Mandela _5th May 2024 in PNG. What a great man there was❤. Sleep for eternity Mandela 😢

[@pacboe]

a WORLD class statesman exuding wisdom from the crib of humanity- that is why we all connect to him easily! Kudos to the interviewer Mr Ted Koppel for having elicited these just statesments from Nelson MANDELA...

[@mcheatle8270]

Well said.

[@shetijay]

My God,i can't stop watching this interview,Mr.mandela a formidable,resilience leader.

[@bezoozime9170]

Mandela was VERY polite not to mention how much Israel was in support of the apartheid South Africa. Also the coflict diamond connection

[@fishdawn1804]

I see Spike Lee @39:50 , and it was so amazing that everyone who attended this meeting was listening attentively to this great great South African African hero. This was obviously a great political science lesson to everyone. May tata Madiba's soul rest in power.

[@akataman7319]

Amen 🙏 🙏🙏

[@glenblignaut9977]

As in now the country is fucked no water or elecricity

[@fishdawn1804]

@@glenblignaut9977 The irony.....

[@masumkhan7967]

No other leader in our lifetime left so much imprint of morality, integrity, sacrifice, fairness and courage. He will be remembered in the centuries to come.

[@tumisomogane3388]

What a great man a world has ever had

[@priyeshupreti]

Agree with him or not - I cannot think of any current leader anywhere in the world who can answer with this level of clarity and authority

[@shungnyandoro6851]

mugabe

[@AwonkeN]

@@shungnyandoro6851 current leader

[@zainabinti5170]

😅😅😅🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂😂😂🤣

[@lucaszandamele3697]

President Nelson Mandela, was the only one who can lead Africa and the world

[@jdfoster8329]

@@shungnyandoro6851 noway by ok by you o(getoffmy0honeget

[@thomasbanda9038]

Mr Nelson Mandela was a great man , intelligent, diplomatic and accommodative.

[@UNbowed62]

Thank you for posting. I remember this awesome town hall broadcast🥰🙏🏽

[@internal1000]

The greatest speaker of South Africa. No other shall walk in his shoes. The smile that softened the world.

[@RomanRockwood-e2k]

Mandela was one of the greatest statesman - his bravery and sacrifice are beyond any other politician I can think of. I visited Johannesburg and Soweto in 2024 and people are saying ANC is not doing enough to end systemic racism. If Mandela were alive today, I think he would be disappointed with little change for equality in SA.

[@Kumzle]

Mandela was very calm, cool and collected.

[@inmythoughts718]

however what's the point if blacks are still suffering til this day.

[@zulu3798]

@@inmythoughts718 who said blacks are still suffering? The only blacks who are suffering are the ones who did go to school, have no goals in life. The little money they get spend it on alcohol or drugs.

[@BLNKTonlyngubesizwe]

As a young black South African who just subscribed to this channel yesterday, this means a lot as I'm on a journey to feed myself with this kind of content. I can't wait to hear what he was saying at the time of this interview and furthermore scrutinize what he was sharing.

[@voicebusizizwe4360]

What has changed in S.A Since 1990 ? The call for decolonisation of the curriculum still hasnt been implimented.. land expropriation.. black people are still suffering on a daily basis and whites are thriving.. This speach is absolute shit. Id rather the people revolted in 1990 and chased away all these racist whites who still rule our land today!

[@voicebusizizwe4360]

Speech

[@qhawezentana3054]

@@voicebusizizwe4360 lol dont blame Nelson Mandela bcs the time Mr Nelson was President never experience this shit , what is happening in South Africa now is greedy of people when they see money from 1994 to 1998 and term of Mr Mbeki things we better the time Malema and others been manipulated to work against Thabo things started to be like this shit, is nice sit in bench and talk too much when been given opportunity to play you play same shit

[@EscanV]

As a young White Scottish South African! This means a lot to me too! Amen Brother!

[@taftabdullah3535]

@@voicebusizizwe4360 by vvt

[@khongisono6962]

Thank you for this 👍🏿I’ve been looking for the entire video since the other videos cut right before it ends. Big shout out to you.

[@WorkingOnPefect]

Blessing. Today marks what would be, Tata's 106 Birthday. 2024|07|18 To hear his words and vision, as a young Man, "In the future", highlights how the battle is between Good and Evil. This was indeed a Peaceful Man, And remains to be misunderstood. In this segment he quotes Isaiah 40. Young Man, many will not furdom/comprehend your peace and love. Continue to love. Thank You. 🇿🇦 Southa📍

[@gregletbetter239]

Mr. Mandela was a great leader, I know my people in Africa misses him!!!

[@audiovisualproof5407]

Thank you for this upload! Never saw Nelson Mandela speak and only have watched movie bio-pictures of Nelson Mandela and read famous quotes. Thank you, again.

[@amareseifu3471]

What a history we don't get leaders like this anymore!

[@johnwebb2442]

The Establishment is afraid of strong black leaders that would not compromise.

[@JSmusiqalthinka]

We don't get leaders like this usually EVER. Most of the members of the ruling classes in history were massive pieces of shit. Very few aren't...and they aren't precisely because they do not wish to be leaders, but to make us all our own leaders.

[@andreafosella2758]

" One of the mistakes which some political analysts make is to think that their enemies should be our enemies " The man couldn't be easily fooled around with biased questions...

[@brightscofield1606]

“ I don’t know if I have paralyzed you?” Nelson Mandela

[@dilgeshabraham5002]

Lol

[@velimirgrubor186]

Bright Scofield cannot go against world Mandela was right Mr. Bright. Nobody applaud you Mandela only.

[@ogbonnamartinsnjoku1941]

I am in love with Mr Mandela boldness and wisdom

[@byronnabutola143]

Long walk to freedom, that book has every detail. Great Nelson Mandela

[@reveroneveron7487]

This show that Mr Mandela was well aware of the things that was happening global economy and also was able to command a country with dignity and respect ,what I like most of him he had sense of humor A good document 😏😏😏😏😏😏😏

[@lekholokoelekotsoanamoloi9593]

He was released on the 11th of February 1990. This is four months after leaving prison .

[@loislovinsah7974]

He was so brave

[@juliusandre5793]

Zicg marle

[@sicelolubisi5378]

But this interview was in June 1991

[@gatshenindlovu8224]

He would always take his time when it comes to attending children. He loved them so much 😊.b

[@viwembande9497]

*I wish the Whole World would watch this Video* , I have watched it over 30times. I'm so Proud to be South African and this man made us all proud. Now it is up to us, to continue this Legends great work.

[@alexmwania5564]

Who's still re-watching this interview in December 2023? Thumps up if that's you 🙂

[@Jake-nk4wg]

Thank you for sharing this Town Hall Interview of Madiba with us. :)

[@SibusisoHlophe-dp5lq]

1 million thanks. 🙏 The world needs to see this

[@enosmakungasiwakwi9504]

I am very proud to be connected to this great, intelligent and world statesman as I share the same birthday 18th July every year. MHSRIP.

[@sammyjackson5319]

rest in peace my brother, may the God of ancestors bless your soul!

[@linuswilliams5897]

I wonder if young Bernard has kept that piece of paper safe. Truly from a hero of our generation. R.I.L Mandela

[@lwandleernest8481]

@Maat Heru Oh boy you can never do what he has done even if you can get an extra life

[@alisapolsky5643]

I admired Nelson Mandela he was a role model for what is possible.

[@sumbafudel2439]

Rest in peace papa Mandela 😔 😢 you are the one of the rarely leader in the world 🌎 ❤.

[@HULYRICSTV]

He aim, shoot and hit. No wasted bullets.

[@jeffreyyounger5772]

One of the last freedom fighter and powerful black leader of the 21 century!We all god children was asprier by that man that change the world 🌎.Rest in peace ✌ brother!

[@patrickfoster7970]

Honour to you Mr. Mandela. Rip. Ubiquitous you remain for the liberation of all people. Peace and love. God Bless You Mr. Mandela.

[@63Hash]

Major fan of this channel that ought to rated as a Community Service. Bless you for your efforts

[@GG8476]

He will never be forgotten.

[@lrandle98]

Incredible, brilliant man. Thank-you for all you gave. Thank-you for giving your all!

[@abelchikengezha3587]

We are born differently l give praise to God for creating such a man who was unshakable rest in peace Tata

[@sagrenreddyable]

Thank you for the video. What a great human being!

[@mahlatseshai6542]

Great individual who fought for freedom of the Mzanzi Nation... Now it is our leader's responsibility to continue to fight other injustices including economic freedom.. RIP Madiba

[@SchoolOfWisdom1887]

The only thing I can be grateful for in 2021,is to have been exposed to such a informative and instructive experience. Indeed, Mr Mandela you were more than just a president 😢 🙏

[@SUN-oi4fs]

Remarkable interview with Nelson Mandela in NY ♥️

[@AmbroseGerzen]

The Late Mandela is truly a genius,a man of his own kind

[@Seaworthy5691]

This is a true leader Something the USA should learn

[@AmusaIbrahim-v2b]

Nelson Mandela is a hero unmatched in the history of mankind.

[@lebohang8405]

Thanks, I've seen snippets and clips of this discussion before. It's even more refreshing watching a full length version. In summary, Madima and his comrades had very strong convictions and principles. What separated him was the forceful defence and strict maintenance of those principles and ANC policies. The type of backbone that is missing with the current crop of comrades in leadership.

[@andrewcharles7873]

Watch the epic moment 57:35.....you can hear a pin drop after the great Mandela stung Mr Koppel into paralysis!!

[@cecilemuntu5401]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@paball0emmanuel584]

😢I watch it almost 14 times a month.....what a philosophy.....rest in peace no one like you on this earth Amen 😮❤

[@faujiminggu8007]

Nelson is a legend

[@James-t8l1d]

My God Mandela is Amazing.

[@jeangueye3575]

Watching this video in 2023 today October 27 R.I.P. Mister Madiba 🙏🏾✊🏾

[@langandabandaba3865]

This man's vocabulary.. mastered the language of the oppressor..

[@josephwebb7220]

Thank you HONORABLE DR NELSON M-A-N-DELLA. WHAT A HUMAN.

[@khalilnabi9229]

What a great speaker n an examplary Statesman ! Wonderful conclusion with the warmth of an innocent young person . May ALLAH bless Mendela's soul in eternal peace .

[@oumarsountal6628]

Great topic I m happy to know We wished he is still alive we ca visiting him anywhere in the Earth & no matter how much costs no matter how is difficult long distance still we will try whatever best we can visit him, but he is still his voice a life thank you very much everyone for sharing knowledge that beneficial please post more it is very important

[@ntwananonkanyani4338]

May his soul rest in peace....We are destined to shine because of him....He was a mesmerizing, intelligent leader.... genuine & polite...he appeased/placated majority of South Africans.#Amandla✊

[@dorcuskazika6345]

Very true! What a man! There is no man anywhere in the world like Mandela.

[@Dability]

@1:15:35 a young man stood up and he said his name is Bernard the 3rd if I heard correctly, I wonder where he is now.. Wow this must have been a proud moment Indeed...where is that piece of paper young man?

[@shelleypryde6454]

I didn’t know Mandela was such a troll I love it 🤣 the way he responded to Koos Van Der Merwe had me

[@SibusisoHlophe-dp5lq]

Ey he was a troll 57:20 Did you see how he paralyzed Ted and then humiliated him by laughing at him and then shaking his hand.

[@SibusisoHlophe-dp5lq]

53:12 That's his wife. WINNIE MANDELA. She was the real hero. Nelson Mandela was the face of it all as a man. But the wife was there. She never fled the country. She was literally willing to die. Mama Winnie 😢😢😢

[@SibusisoHlophe-dp5lq]

The many breaks where designed to kill his momentum. But they failed dismally at that. He still came out top. He was never shaken. 👏 👏 👏

[@Frankfireman01]

A man who changes his principles depending on who he is dealing with is not a leader...... That hit me...#bold # wisdom

[@SibusisoHlophe-dp5lq]

56:06 🔥 🔥 🔥

[@germantyre2818]

I am very grateful to have spoken in a casual non-political way with Nelson Mandela (before he became President of SA) at the Johannesburg Zoo whilst he was on an early morning strole enjoying the big cats The Lions.. . Nelsons Liberation has helped us Non Whites to somehow improve our lives its up to us now to move forward in our own struggles fighting daily for our economic and spiritual freedom in South Africa. .. Nelsons words to me was 'Educate Yourself and make a difference to South Africa

[@POSITIVEMILLIONAIRE]

To the one reading this, You will create great things. Yes. YOU

[@quintonleroux4675]

Thanks you...

[@gugulethundlovu5173]

We, South Africans are saying thank you to everyone in the world for supporting our freedom from slavery under apartheid. Please continue to pray for our freedom in economical terms. We Salute you and praise you

[@christineMaccallum-uo3qx]

Yes thanks again 👍 so much so

[@schubaelmassala5888]

I wish I was there to live that wisdom 😢

[@SunstatKing]

HE'S RESTING IN POWER BLACK POWER 💪 And a unique life did time in prison became president

[@MagantheMasolo-mf4db]

Mr Mandela was a great man, RIP the global icon.