The following selected speeches and statement mark key turning points in Chief Albert Luthuli’s life and his struggle for freedom, equality and human rights for all. They provide a clear expose of the leader that Luthuli was and his aims for South Africa, and his commitment to the Struggle.

Chief Albert Luthuli’s Nobel Peace Prize Acceptance Speech, Oslo, Norway, 10 December 1961

Your Majesty, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen, here present!

On an occasion like this words fail one. This is the most important occasion not only in my life, but in that of my dear wife, Nokukhanya, who shares with me this honour. For, friends, her encouragement, not just mere encouragement but active support, made me at times fear that she herself might end in jail one day. She richly shares with me this honour.

Message From Oslo To The South African People, December 1961

My people… my sons and my daughters

As I pace the floor of my bedroom in the Grand Hotel, Oslo, putting the final touches on my speech of acceptance of the Nobel Peace Prize my thoughts go out to the people back home.

The Road To Freedom Is Via The Cross

A Public Statement made by Albert Luthuli after he was dismissed from his position as Chief by the government in November 1952. It was issued jointly by the African National Congress and the Natal Indian Congress.

I have been dismissed from the Chieftainship of the Abase-Makolweni Tribe in the Groutville Mission reserve. I presume that this has been done by the Governor General in his capacity as Supreme Chief of the “native” people of the Union of South Africa save those of the Cape Province. I was democratically elected to this position in 1935 by the people of Groutville Mission reserve and was duly approved and appointed by the Governor General.