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Mandela: My Prisoner, My Friend
Raised in a multi-ethnic farming community, Afrikaner Christo Brand was confused and saddened when he first confronted the realities of South African apartheid. Conscripted into the military at 18, Brand chose to serve as a prison guard rather than embrace the brutality and danger inherent in the work of soldiers and policemen. Assigned to the maximum security facility on remote Robben Island, Brand was given charge of the country's most infamous inmate: Nelson Mandela.
For 12 years Brand watched Mandela scrub floors, empty his toilet bucket, grieve over the deaths of family and friends yet remain as strong as any freedom fighter in history. Won over by Madiba's charm and authentic concern for the well-being of others, Brand became Mandela's confidant and at times accomplice. Celebrating triumphs and suffering through many setbacks, the two men formed an unlikely bond, one that would endure until Mandela's death.
Told with candor and reverence, Mandela: My Prisoner, My Friend is both a meditation on friendship and a moving testament to the dedication, determination and—most of all—humanity exuded by one of the world's great leaders.
For 12 years Brand watched Mandela scrub floors, empty his toilet bucket, grieve over the deaths of family and friends yet remain as strong as any freedom fighter in history. Won over by Madiba's charm and authentic concern for the well-being of others, Brand became Mandela's confidant and at times accomplice. Celebrating triumphs and suffering through many setbacks, the two men formed an unlikely bond, one that would endure until Mandela's death.
Told with candor and reverence, Mandela: My Prisoner, My Friend is both a meditation on friendship and a moving testament to the dedication, determination and—most of all—humanity exuded by one of the world's great leaders.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2014
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368 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
July 9, 2023
I cried so hard listening to this 😭😭😭
I really, really cannot stress enough how much I despise the government. This book shows me how rotten to the core they are, corrupt and evil, even now, in 2023 nothing has changed, still corrupt and evil but now we can add the words despicable, shady, and unethical scumbags. How do they get away with so much?
Beautiful story of a remarkable man and an extraordinary prison guard.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
Listened to the audio via the BorrowBox app
Published by ABC Audio
Narrated by Rupert Degas
Duration: 7 hrs, 23 min. 1.25x Speed
I really, really cannot stress enough how much I despise the government. This book shows me how rotten to the core they are, corrupt and evil, even now, in 2023 nothing has changed, still corrupt and evil but now we can add the words despicable, shady, and unethical scumbags. How do they get away with so much?
Beautiful story of a remarkable man and an extraordinary prison guard.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
Listened to the audio via the BorrowBox app
Published by ABC Audio
Narrated by Rupert Degas
Duration: 7 hrs, 23 min. 1.25x Speed
May 17, 2020
Many years ago I read Nelson Mandela's memoir Long Walk To Freedom and was thoroughly impressed by the man although many of the details had been long forgotten. So, I particularly enjoyed having my memory refreshed as I listened to Christo Brand's memoir, Mandela, My Prisoner, My Friend.
Christo Brand, an Afrikaner boy from a rural farming area had grown up relatively free from the impacts of apartheid. Sure his father owned the farm and had coloured people working for him but by his account they were treated well. He held fond memories of one of the workers in particular and recollected happy times growing up playing with the children of these workers. He was only a teen when he was conscripted into the military but he opted instead to complete his two years as a prison guard. There he found himself on Robben Island guarding various political prisoners including Nelson Mandela. Initially cautious after having been warned these political prisoners were the most dangerous prisoners in all of South Africa, Brand discovered Mandela to be a considerate, caring, thoughtful and highly educated man. It didn't take long to realise it was respect, not fear, that Mandela inspired. Despite the unequal status their prisoner/prison guard relationship created the two shared a closeness, a friendship, which was to last for the dozen or so years until Mandela was finally released and it endured long after that, through his Presidency and until his death.
As with all memoirs, this is the version of events as remembered by the author but they seemed sincere. As well as instilling in me newfound interest and respect for Mandela, the book was filled with interesting insights into South African society during the decades from the 80's and beyond, and it brought to life prison life for both the prisoners and their keepers.
This was a most enjoyable listening experience and one I recommend.
Christo Brand, an Afrikaner boy from a rural farming area had grown up relatively free from the impacts of apartheid. Sure his father owned the farm and had coloured people working for him but by his account they were treated well. He held fond memories of one of the workers in particular and recollected happy times growing up playing with the children of these workers. He was only a teen when he was conscripted into the military but he opted instead to complete his two years as a prison guard. There he found himself on Robben Island guarding various political prisoners including Nelson Mandela. Initially cautious after having been warned these political prisoners were the most dangerous prisoners in all of South Africa, Brand discovered Mandela to be a considerate, caring, thoughtful and highly educated man. It didn't take long to realise it was respect, not fear, that Mandela inspired. Despite the unequal status their prisoner/prison guard relationship created the two shared a closeness, a friendship, which was to last for the dozen or so years until Mandela was finally released and it endured long after that, through his Presidency and until his death.
As with all memoirs, this is the version of events as remembered by the author but they seemed sincere. As well as instilling in me newfound interest and respect for Mandela, the book was filled with interesting insights into South African society during the decades from the 80's and beyond, and it brought to life prison life for both the prisoners and their keepers.
This was a most enjoyable listening experience and one I recommend.
December 11, 2025
This was a book from the very unique perspective of Christo Brand, a prison ward who was with Mandela during the time he served for his political activism before his eventual release and presidency in South Africa. Mandela and Christo had a special relationship, especially given the circumstances. They were in very different roles within society, the justice system, and Apartheid itself. Yet, despite these vast differences, their friendship blossomed. And remained intact until Nelson Mandela's passing.
The perspective of this book is, as I mentioned, unique. It is also interesting and enlightening. There was a lot of information in this book that only Christo could have provided (such as his granting special privileges or allowing forbidden visits with loved ones in secret), and I found it all intriguing.
Despite that, the writing and pacing were lacking for me throughout a lot of the book. Some of that could possibly come down to translation, but it felt stiff and stagnating despite the emotional and intriguing nature of the story and content. My other issue was that Brand, at times, assumed that the reader had a full and comprehensive knowledge of South African history. There would be meticulous details given on small parts about the prison location or food served, and then there would be sparse details about monumental events involving Mandela and other political leaders and meetings. It contributed to some of the odd pacing.
Overall, it was a good book that had a potential to be much better.
The perspective of this book is, as I mentioned, unique. It is also interesting and enlightening. There was a lot of information in this book that only Christo could have provided (such as his granting special privileges or allowing forbidden visits with loved ones in secret), and I found it all intriguing.
Despite that, the writing and pacing were lacking for me throughout a lot of the book. Some of that could possibly come down to translation, but it felt stiff and stagnating despite the emotional and intriguing nature of the story and content. My other issue was that Brand, at times, assumed that the reader had a full and comprehensive knowledge of South African history. There would be meticulous details given on small parts about the prison location or food served, and then there would be sparse details about monumental events involving Mandela and other political leaders and meetings. It contributed to some of the odd pacing.
Overall, it was a good book that had a potential to be much better.
November 28, 2017
I listened to this book on audible while driving through South Africa which was really interesting. It was such a unique perspective on Mandela's life in prison and after, and it just makes me want to read more. I still haven't read his autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom, and we didn't listen to that since it was more hours than we had in the car, but I really want to now. What an incredible person he was, and hearing about the friendship he developed with a person whose job it was to guard him in prison is fascinating and moving. It's hard to truly express the respect Mandela deserves; honestly I don't think I can try. But if you're not ready for the truly long "Long Walk to Freedom", this is a great book to pique your interest. It's well-written and gives us a look into his life in person and his personality and vision. I definitely recommend it!
January 18, 2016
Beautiful story of an unlikely friendship that lasted decades.
February 27, 2017
Fascinating book by a man who became friends with Mandela while serving as his warder (prison guard). Interesting look at the period leading to his becoming the president of South Africa, with interesting glimpses of behind-scenes developments. Also really showed the humanity of Mandela in ways no one else could have.
December 22, 2016
Inspiring story that shows extending kindness even in the darkest of situations can have positive results.
September 5, 2017
Interesting but bland writing style and not balanced perspective. Liked learning about Robben Island.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2025
Mandela by Christo Brand is a profoundly moving and beautifully written account that reaches deep into the heart of one of humanity’s darkest yet most inspiring chapters. Brand does far more than recount events; he opens a window into the soul of a man whose courage, endurance, and compassion reshaped a nation—and reminded the world of what true greatness looks like.
I always knew Nelson Mandela was remarkable, much like Mahatma Gandhi—names spoken with reverence and awe. But reading this book made me realise that knowing someone is great and feeling the weight of their suffering are two very different things. Through Brand’s eyes, the relentless cruelty, racism, and dehumanisation imposed on Black South Africans becomes painfully real. The treatment Mandela endured in prison for decades is something no human being should ever face. Quite honestly, even today, if animals were subjected to such brutality, the RSPCA would be in uproar. Yet Mandela bore all of this without losing his dignity, his kindness, or his belief in justice.
What struck me most was how Mandela’s greatness wasn’t defined solely by his leadership, but by his character—the gentleness under pressure, the wisdom forged in isolation, the unwavering respect he showed even to those unworthy of it. He wasn’t just a legend; that word feels far too small. He was a phenomenon, a force of humanity so rare that language itself hasn’t yet caught up enough to honour him properly. If I were blessed to possess even a millionth of his grace, humility, and inner strength, it would still feel like an undeserved gift.
This book moved me to tears more times than I can count—tears of heartbreak for what he endured, and tears of joy for the resilience of his spirit. One tissue box didn’t stand a chance. I often had to pause, breathe, and sit with the emotions it stirred. Brand’s writing is honest, tender, and deeply intimate—showing not only Mandela the leader, but Mandela the man.
There is also an underlying message in these pages that resonates loudly today. Many of our modern politicians could learn invaluable lessons from Mandela’s example—his humility, his integrity, his capacity to forgive, and his ability to lead without ego. If more leaders held a mirror to themselves and measured their character against even a sliver of Mandela’s, our world might look very different.
This book is not just a biography; it is a moral compass. It belongs on the shelf of every aspiring politician, every student of history, and anyone who wants to understand the true meaning of strength, peace, and humanity. Mandela deserves to be front and center in every political library, not as a relic of the past but as a guide for the future.
A deeply emotional, unforgettable read—one that stays with you long after the final page.
I always knew Nelson Mandela was remarkable, much like Mahatma Gandhi—names spoken with reverence and awe. But reading this book made me realise that knowing someone is great and feeling the weight of their suffering are two very different things. Through Brand’s eyes, the relentless cruelty, racism, and dehumanisation imposed on Black South Africans becomes painfully real. The treatment Mandela endured in prison for decades is something no human being should ever face. Quite honestly, even today, if animals were subjected to such brutality, the RSPCA would be in uproar. Yet Mandela bore all of this without losing his dignity, his kindness, or his belief in justice.
What struck me most was how Mandela’s greatness wasn’t defined solely by his leadership, but by his character—the gentleness under pressure, the wisdom forged in isolation, the unwavering respect he showed even to those unworthy of it. He wasn’t just a legend; that word feels far too small. He was a phenomenon, a force of humanity so rare that language itself hasn’t yet caught up enough to honour him properly. If I were blessed to possess even a millionth of his grace, humility, and inner strength, it would still feel like an undeserved gift.
This book moved me to tears more times than I can count—tears of heartbreak for what he endured, and tears of joy for the resilience of his spirit. One tissue box didn’t stand a chance. I often had to pause, breathe, and sit with the emotions it stirred. Brand’s writing is honest, tender, and deeply intimate—showing not only Mandela the leader, but Mandela the man.
There is also an underlying message in these pages that resonates loudly today. Many of our modern politicians could learn invaluable lessons from Mandela’s example—his humility, his integrity, his capacity to forgive, and his ability to lead without ego. If more leaders held a mirror to themselves and measured their character against even a sliver of Mandela’s, our world might look very different.
This book is not just a biography; it is a moral compass. It belongs on the shelf of every aspiring politician, every student of history, and anyone who wants to understand the true meaning of strength, peace, and humanity. Mandela deserves to be front and center in every political library, not as a relic of the past but as a guide for the future.
A deeply emotional, unforgettable read—one that stays with you long after the final page.
Read
December 25, 2018I was in South Africa this year, spending some time in Cape Town with 6 friends. We were fortunate to meet with Christo Brand one evening and he discussed his book and the time he spend getting to know and respect Nelson Mandela. Reading the book I learned about both men and how their friendship and respect for each other grew over the years.
27 years in prison! Mandela and his fellow Rivonians encouraged each other while imprisoned and impressed other prisoners with their peace-minded attitudes. In spite of separation from family and loved ones and enduring intolerable prison conditions, these men continued to exemplify positive thinking.
They referred to each other as Mr. Mandela and Mr. Brand. Their friendship continued when Mandela was finally released, elected president and until he died.
I assume one aspect of their friendship was due to Brand's childhood; he was raised with no knowledge of Apartheid. He was shocked when he learned of it! To develop a friendship with a black man was not unusual. He was taught to be accepting of his fellow man. An inspiring thought!
27 years in prison! Mandela and his fellow Rivonians encouraged each other while imprisoned and impressed other prisoners with their peace-minded attitudes. In spite of separation from family and loved ones and enduring intolerable prison conditions, these men continued to exemplify positive thinking.
They referred to each other as Mr. Mandela and Mr. Brand. Their friendship continued when Mandela was finally released, elected president and until he died.
I assume one aspect of their friendship was due to Brand's childhood; he was raised with no knowledge of Apartheid. He was shocked when he learned of it! To develop a friendship with a black man was not unusual. He was taught to be accepting of his fellow man. An inspiring thought!
July 16, 2017
Very interesting and truly inspiring. Christo Brand (Mandela's warder) has a very straight-forward writing style, which I personally liked. In addition to the incredible lives led by Mandela and his fellow prisoners, it is fascinating to read a first hand account of a white working class young man growing up during the Apartheid, finding himself stationed with the political prisoners, and becoming a friend of the men he guarded, both during and after their time in prison.
June 13, 2024
Had the opportunity to meet Mr. Brand this year and the way he still talks about Mandela is so remarkable. This was such an interesting perspective to hear about apartheid from, a young Afrikaner who had every reason to oppose Mandela and somehow finding themselves in such a meaningful friendship.
The book itself was a little repetitive at times, but I enjoyed Brand’s stories with Mandela and the other Rivonians. All fantastic men and a great book!
The book itself was a little repetitive at times, but I enjoyed Brand’s stories with Mandela and the other Rivonians. All fantastic men and a great book!
January 5, 2025
"Hoe kon het in vredesnaam zo zijn gelopen? Op de een of andere manier waren deze gevangene die nu president was, en zijn bewaker samen in het belangrijkste regeringsgebouw in Kaapstad terechtgekomen, terwijl we allebei eigenlijk thuishoorden in velden en valleien en langs rivieroevers." Prachtig boek over de verschrikkingen van Robbeneiland en het apartheidsregime maar ook over medemenselijkheid en over de kracht van Mandela als leider.
November 11, 2020
A fascinating account of an unlikely friendship, showing the dignified manner in which Nelson Mandela always carried himself, how he could easily win people over, and the tight bond between Mr. Mandela and the kind-hearted warder, Mr. Brand.
June 16, 2018
This world is full of wonderful people 😘😁
August 27, 2018
Emotive and inspiring. Glad I read it, Mandela's story makes me want to be a better person.
May 1, 2019
Excelente livro para conhecer o lado humano do Mandela e seus hábitos e relações na prisão.
July 21, 2020
One of the best books I’ve ever read
So worthwhile ! I really recommend reading this account of what humanity can over come, absolutely remarkable and
So inspirational
So worthwhile ! I really recommend reading this account of what humanity can over come, absolutely remarkable and
So inspirational
December 7, 2020
You will always be remembered Madiba
January 26, 2021
Lindos recuerdos. Maravilloso libro
August 7, 2024
Indrukwekkend boek, prettig geschreven, waarin het hele verhaal rondom Mandela weer voorbij komt.
May 20, 2022
Not sure what to believe, but if there's something I know for a fact is that often people tend to exaggerate a bit when telling their true stories. The book is a good read though, enjoyed it!
March 31, 2023
Ik had dit boek niet gelezen zonder de FNLC 2023, maar ik vond het verassend mooi en indrukwekkend! Een stukje geschiedenis waar ik nog niet voldoende van wist, maar nu op mooi beschreven wijze toch meer informatie over heb gekregen
January 27, 2021
I wish everyone would read this book. It's a simple read but so beautiful in its tone and so needed in a world still plagued by racism. I found it not only insightful but good for the soul
October 31, 2015
I found this a fascinating read. It recounts much of Mandela's years of incarceration and is written by one of the warders. Christo Brand wanted to avoid military service and so decided to sign up for service in the prison system. When he finished his basic training, he was sent to Robben Island and told he'd be caring for some of the nation's most notorious and dangerous prisoners. Nelson Mandela and the other Rivonians may have seemed dangerous to the government, but Brand found them courteous. In fact, he found them so personable that over the next many years, Brand found little ways to bend the rules while still operating within the penal system. He found Mandela to be a peacemaker, fighting for release and justice. They forged what was to become a life-long friendship. I've always believed that Mandela spent his entire time at Robben Island. Reading this, I learned that was not true. He was moved from Robben Island to Pollsmoor Prison on the mainland for political reasons - government was trying to break the spirit of the ANC leadership - and even spent some time in solitary. Later he was moved to Victor Verster Prison and it was from there that he was ultimately released. After Mandela became president, he had Brand and a number of his fellow prisoners in leadership with him. What little I've known about Nelson Mandela has impressed me and I've respected him. Reading this added to those feelings. I just "happened" to see it on the library shelf one day as I was browsing. I'm so glad I saw it, checked it out, and read it.
December 12, 2014
This is far from great literature - there are many places where I wanted a bit more detail about Mr. Brand's life, and the prose is workmanlike, not beautiful - but it is a very worthwhile story. If there are a couple of statements I found jarring at the end, there's still a lot of warmth and a fairly vivid picture of Mr. Mandela. So this book achieves its purpose. I think it should prove popular, and I am glad I bought it for the library. Recommended for adults and older teens, who will empathize both with the teenage Christo Brand, thrown into guarding "dangerous" political prisoners on Robben Island, and with Brand's teenage son, who knows Nelson Mandela as "Uncle Nelson".
March 21, 2014
The book tells the story of an Afrikaans farmboy that becomes a prison warder. He worked on Robben Island, at Pollsmoor and Viktor Verster prisons. Many political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela, were there at the same time.
I enjoyed the book although it is not going to win an award. Only gripe with the audible version is that the narrator should've been South African to improve on the pronunciation of many of the local words, but not too serious
I enjoyed the book although it is not going to win an award. Only gripe with the audible version is that the narrator should've been South African to improve on the pronunciation of many of the local words, but not too serious
July 25, 2016
It's incredible how some people come to your life in the most unexpected ways, but at the end, you realize that there was a purpose behind it. This is what happened with christo brand and madiba, a very unlikely friendship that lasted for decades and it had a beautiful purpose on it. Discover through the pages how christo's personality and view point changes with each contact with this inspiring leader. Highly recommended.
February 10, 2015
Extraordinary story of an extraordinary man.
April 7, 2015
Fantastic story. Not the entirety of mandalas life, just what his warden and later friend experienced. Easy to read, not too dry.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews