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Goodbye Bafana: Nelson Mandela, my prisoner, my friend
A real story.
A great lesson in humility, perseverance and understanding.
The story of a unique friendship and the awakening of consciousness.
South Africa, 1968. Twenty-five million blacks live under the domination of a white minority. Under the brutal regime of apartheid, blacks do not have the right to vote, freedom of movement, access to education or the right to own land, businesses or even housing. Determined to not let go of power, this white minority imprisons black leaders on Robben Island.
James Gregory, a typical Afrikaner, racist and believer in the virtues of apartheid, grew up on a farm in the Transkei where he learned to speak Xhosa and Zulu languages. This characteristic made him the ideal man for the job of prison guard on Robben Island, and was responsible for monitoring the prisoner Nelson Mandela and his comrades. This plan will, however, has twist. To learn more about Nelson Mandela, Gregory starts to question the system of apartheid and becomes progressively advocate of a free South Africa and democratic.
Mandela, My Prisoner, My Friend, tells us, in the first person, the relationship as surprising as deep linking these two men and, through their unique friendship, we discover the awakening of a conscience.
A great lesson in humility, perseverance and understanding.
The story of a unique friendship and the awakening of consciousness.
South Africa, 1968. Twenty-five million blacks live under the domination of a white minority. Under the brutal regime of apartheid, blacks do not have the right to vote, freedom of movement, access to education or the right to own land, businesses or even housing. Determined to not let go of power, this white minority imprisons black leaders on Robben Island.
James Gregory, a typical Afrikaner, racist and believer in the virtues of apartheid, grew up on a farm in the Transkei where he learned to speak Xhosa and Zulu languages. This characteristic made him the ideal man for the job of prison guard on Robben Island, and was responsible for monitoring the prisoner Nelson Mandela and his comrades. This plan will, however, has twist. To learn more about Nelson Mandela, Gregory starts to question the system of apartheid and becomes progressively advocate of a free South Africa and democratic.
Mandela, My Prisoner, My Friend, tells us, in the first person, the relationship as surprising as deep linking these two men and, through their unique friendship, we discover the awakening of a conscience.
Hardcover
First published October 26, 1995
4 people are currently reading
209 people want to read
About the author
James Gregory
171 books2 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 25, 2023
4.5 because i feel like u can’t rate a memoir lower. was really informative and felt like i gained an understanding of that time. it was interesting to read from a white mans upbringing during the apartheid and the shift of perspective that happened from when he became a prison guard. anyway excited for nelson mandela’s book after this one, it gave me more faith i could complete it.
April 23, 2013
Read this because a friend recommended it. Given the topic I still can say I fairly enjoyed reading it.
I am not sure if everything really happened as it was described in the book but true or not it gives a side to the Mandela history that I haven't read or heard much before.
The author jumps in time sometimes which can be confusing and I am not sure if the way the friendship was formed was as quick and easy as described in the book.
But you will get a real insight of what society back then was like, what people's perception were on both sides and most important it gives a human story that no history book can every reveal.
If you consider the film instead - don't . The characters are far removed and the little incidents that actually made this story so special are all left out. So don't be lazy, ready the book
I am not sure if everything really happened as it was described in the book but true or not it gives a side to the Mandela history that I haven't read or heard much before.
The author jumps in time sometimes which can be confusing and I am not sure if the way the friendship was formed was as quick and easy as described in the book.
But you will get a real insight of what society back then was like, what people's perception were on both sides and most important it gives a human story that no history book can every reveal.
If you consider the film instead - don't . The characters are far removed and the little incidents that actually made this story so special are all left out. So don't be lazy, ready the book
January 13, 2021
Mooi verhaal over de vriendschap van James Gregory (de gevangenisbewaker) en Nelson Mandela (de gevangene). Werd ook verfilmd
August 12, 2025
Ik heb zelden een boek gelezen dat me zó diep heeft geraakt. Vanaf de eerste pagina voelde ik dat dit geen gewone mémoire was. Gregory schrijft met zoveel detail en oprechtheid dat je het verhaal niet alleen leest, je beleeft het. Je voelt de spanning, de verandering, de groei. Het is alsof je zelf naast hem staat, als getuige van een bijzondere vriendschap die ontstaat op een plek waar je die het minst verwacht.
Wat me het meest heeft geraakt, is hoe Gregory, een witte gevangenisbewaker in het hart van het apartheidsregime, langzaam verandert door zijn contact met Nelson Mandela. Zijn woorden zijn eerlijk, soms rauw, maar altijd doordrenkt met menselijkheid. Je merkt hoe zijn wereldbeeld verschuift, hoe hij Mandela niet langer ziet als “de ander”, maar als een man van wijsheid, kracht en waardigheid.
De impact van dit boek is enorm. Het laat zien dat zelfs in een systeem gebouwd op haat en verdeeldheid, er ruimte is voor begrip, respect en zelfs vriendschap. Goodbye Bafana is voor mij meer dan een boek. Het is een les in empathie, een ode aan de kracht van verbinding, en een herinnering dat liefde sterker is dan haat. Een absolute aanrader voor iedereen die gelooft in de kracht van dialoog, verandering en hoop.
Wat me het meest heeft geraakt, is hoe Gregory, een witte gevangenisbewaker in het hart van het apartheidsregime, langzaam verandert door zijn contact met Nelson Mandela. Zijn woorden zijn eerlijk, soms rauw, maar altijd doordrenkt met menselijkheid. Je merkt hoe zijn wereldbeeld verschuift, hoe hij Mandela niet langer ziet als “de ander”, maar als een man van wijsheid, kracht en waardigheid.
De impact van dit boek is enorm. Het laat zien dat zelfs in een systeem gebouwd op haat en verdeeldheid, er ruimte is voor begrip, respect en zelfs vriendschap. Goodbye Bafana is voor mij meer dan een boek. Het is een les in empathie, een ode aan de kracht van verbinding, en een herinnering dat liefde sterker is dan haat. Een absolute aanrader voor iedereen die gelooft in de kracht van dialoog, verandering en hoop.
September 12, 2023
Humbling insight that is bereft of Afrikaans propaganda that prevailed for so long as a crime against humanity. Touching insights to Mandela years in prison with his fellow political "terrorist" inmates. Beautifully narrated.
November 13, 2020
Oh god, I'm crying
July 20, 2019
Simple but nice 😊
July 15, 2016
Good Bfana by James Gregory is a book people in America sorely needs to read right now, the summer of 2016, as racial tension burns in our country. I recently reviewed The Autobiography Malcolm X. In the 1950’ and early to mid 60’s, Malcolm went on a miraculous journey from hatred of all white people to hatred of evil and a desire for brotherhood of all men, whites included. Something similar happens to James Gregory and Nelson Mandela as they spend the decades of the 70’s and 80’s together.
Gregory is the jailor. Of course at the beginning of their time together, he is not Mandela’s personal warden and they certainly are not friends. But things change. The seeds were planted early in Gregory’s life. They weren’t the only seeds planted. In soil of his soul, Gregory had a love for people that disregarded color. This goes back to his earliest childhood. Also from his childhood and from his formal education apartheid and hatred was planted in him. In fact, by the time he became a guard in the prison system, he hated most people. Relationships, real, deep relationships, seemed to be missing in his life.
As a cold, hardened, relationship averse man, prison guard seemed to be in the perfect job for him. He was the kind of tough guy that could keep rowdy prisoners in line. What changed? This tough cuss was faired minded, and when he discovered his famous prisoner, Nelson Mandela, was a good man, a fair man, and not a terrorist, his perspective changed. The two formed, unintentionally at first, a trust that evolved into a friendship.
I am not spoiling anything here. The subtitle is ‘Nelson Mandela – My Prisoner, My Friend.’ Knowing the ending doesn’t spoil the story. In fact, what’s so amazing for me is that I was amazed even though I knew the ending. I was in tears because I saw that even in Apartheid South Africa, love is more powerful than hate. I believe God was in the friendship of the guard and the political prisoner.
And I believe God can bring people together in America today. Some black people, with reason, totally fear the police and by extension ‘the system.’ Some white people, not wanting to face their own prejudice, reject the notion that they benefit from the system. They – we (I am as white as they come) – do. In 2016 America, white people, educated people, and wealthy (read middle class) people benefit from privileges others lack. But, I think God can bring us together in love.
God will work through programs and protests and government legislation. God will work through movements and interfaith worship services and black-white gatherings. But more than any of these macro-level efforts, God will work through relationships. When individuals step beyond themselves and befriend individuals totally different than themselves, totally ‘other,’ God will reform the hearts of those individuals. And that’s where a change in society will rise up, in individual hearts.
Gregory is the jailor. Of course at the beginning of their time together, he is not Mandela’s personal warden and they certainly are not friends. But things change. The seeds were planted early in Gregory’s life. They weren’t the only seeds planted. In soil of his soul, Gregory had a love for people that disregarded color. This goes back to his earliest childhood. Also from his childhood and from his formal education apartheid and hatred was planted in him. In fact, by the time he became a guard in the prison system, he hated most people. Relationships, real, deep relationships, seemed to be missing in his life.
As a cold, hardened, relationship averse man, prison guard seemed to be in the perfect job for him. He was the kind of tough guy that could keep rowdy prisoners in line. What changed? This tough cuss was faired minded, and when he discovered his famous prisoner, Nelson Mandela, was a good man, a fair man, and not a terrorist, his perspective changed. The two formed, unintentionally at first, a trust that evolved into a friendship.
I am not spoiling anything here. The subtitle is ‘Nelson Mandela – My Prisoner, My Friend.’ Knowing the ending doesn’t spoil the story. In fact, what’s so amazing for me is that I was amazed even though I knew the ending. I was in tears because I saw that even in Apartheid South Africa, love is more powerful than hate. I believe God was in the friendship of the guard and the political prisoner.
And I believe God can bring people together in America today. Some black people, with reason, totally fear the police and by extension ‘the system.’ Some white people, not wanting to face their own prejudice, reject the notion that they benefit from the system. They – we (I am as white as they come) – do. In 2016 America, white people, educated people, and wealthy (read middle class) people benefit from privileges others lack. But, I think God can bring us together in love.
God will work through programs and protests and government legislation. God will work through movements and interfaith worship services and black-white gatherings. But more than any of these macro-level efforts, God will work through relationships. When individuals step beyond themselves and befriend individuals totally different than themselves, totally ‘other,’ God will reform the hearts of those individuals. And that’s where a change in society will rise up, in individual hearts.
December 24, 2016
Possibly one of the best books I've ever read. The painstaking detail which Gregory uses to describe his childhood adventures with his friend, Bafana, is absolutely mesmerizing. Gregory shares his thoughts and emotions with great clarity throughout the book, which gives an interesting perspective of that period in South African history. An exceptional read - you won't be disappointed...
April 20, 2015
Este é um daqueles livros que vale mais pela veracidade e desenrolar dos acontecimentos do que propriamente pela escrita em si. É de facto um relato impressionante do convívio entre duas pessoas que à partida estavam condenadas ao ódio mútuo. Nunca escondi que Nelson Mandela é uma das pessoas por quem tenho mais respeito e consideração. Não sei se todos os episódios se passaram realmente como estão descritos no livro, contudo, é uma história arrepiante de perseverança e acima de tudo de amizade tão surpreendente quanto profunda entre o preso político mais famoso do mundo e o seu guarda. Fantástico!
January 27, 2017
This book is one long lesson on how bridge divides, on how to hold a meaningful conversation with "the other side." At such a polarized time in America, where politically charged discussions often devolve into shouting matches, and at a time where my president enables all sorts of hatefulness with his violent rhetoric, this book could not possibly be more relevant. The aura of hope, dignity and determination that Mandela exudes in the face of intense racial hatred during his decades long imprisonment is truly inspiring.
September 8, 2015
I watched the movie, based on James Gregory's story. I couldn't wait to read the book. It is such a compelling historical memoir. I remember the headlines of the horrors of apartheid and the subsequent release of Nelson Mandela. At the time I was raising young children and just didn't know too much about this great man. This story of friendship Mr. Gregory throughout Mandela's imprisonment was a wonderful way to get to know the man. Well written book.
February 3, 2015
This is one of the few times I review a books not much books impress me. Featuring a friendship that seem impossible to happen, 'Goodbye Bafana' is a good and touching book, making me cry twice. The first when James parted with his childhood friend Bafana, and the second when he and Nelson Mandela bade goodbye. This is a very good book. It is a book with substance.
August 10, 2007
The tremendous power of friendship. what determination can do for you and how all the bad experiences you get can help you to be a better person at the end.
September 24, 2015
Compellingly interesting.
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June 8, 2017James Gregory’s GOODBYE BAFANA has taught me the power of humility and perseverance – of learning and teaching these personal traits. This is only one of many books I’ve read about/on Nelson Mandela and as supported by James Gregory in this book, I gather Mandela was not only blessed with wisdom to lead, his personality effortlessly strived to put others first.
In spite of a rather challenging schooling, James’ personality, very humble and understanding, persevered in the face of South Africa’s highly challenging apartheid. Which grew in him a White man who was to lend an extensive hand in liberating black South Africans – even against the apartheid government.
The relationship James and Nelson initially forged was beneficial to all South Africans in the end. Theirs was a relationship to look up to.
In spite of a rather challenging schooling, James’ personality, very humble and understanding, persevered in the face of South Africa’s highly challenging apartheid. Which grew in him a White man who was to lend an extensive hand in liberating black South Africans – even against the apartheid government.
The relationship James and Nelson initially forged was beneficial to all South Africans in the end. Theirs was a relationship to look up to.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews