Mandela: My Prisoner, My Friend

by Christo Brand

Christo Brand was a South African farm boy, born into the Afrikaans culture which had created apartheid to persecute black people and claim superiority for whites. Nelson Mandela, also raised in a rural village, was the black son of a tribal chief. He trained as a lawyer to take up the fight against apartheid on behalf of a whole nation. Their opposing worlds collided when Christo, a raw recruit from the country's prison service, was sent to Robben Island to guard the notoriously dangerous terrorists there. Mandela was their undisputed leader. The two of them, a boy of 18 and a long-suffering freedom fighter then aged 60, could well have become bitter enemies. Instead, they formed an extraordinary friendship through small human kindnesses. Christo, a gentle young man who valued ordinary decency and courtesy, struck a chord with the wise and resilient old freedom fighter who was prepared to die to liberate his people. The African tribesman in Mandela meant that family was a priority for him, yet he had been sentenced to life imprisonment. When his mother died, he was refused permission to go to her funeral. Mandela, the oldest son whose responsibility was written in blood, wept with shame and despair. Christo was to witness that despair many times during his years as Mandela's prison warder. When Winnie secretly brought their tiny granddaughter to Robben Island it was Christo who risked his own freedom to put the baby in Mandela's arms. Their friendship was sealed by many such shared moments. And the bond of trust between the two men extended beyond Mandela's prison years. As President of South Africa, he called for Christo and gave him a job in the archives department in Parliament. He invited Christo and his family into his home and advised his two sons on their careers. A few weeks before his death, Mandela made another call, to say goodbye. This book tells the story of their friendship in Christo's words for the first time.

Genres: Nonfiction, South Africa

Audio CD

First published March 3, 2014

Reviews

[Helen Li · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the world's most influential leader and modern hero of our time is the incredible Nelson Mandela. After serving 27 years in prison to fight for his country's rights and equality and to abolish the apartheid movement Mandela become South Africa's first black President. Christo Brand was a young farmer raised in South Africa during the tumultuous political era. As a young prison warden of only 19 years old, he become Mandela's prison warden as he was incarcerated in four different prison through out his sentence. As Mandela's prison warden Brand was taken back by the prisoner's down to earth quality and human kindness. The two characters were from different worlds - however instead of becoming bitter enemies they soon developed into a lifetime of friendship. In this moving and incredible memoir Brand gives us a deep and personal insight into the struggles of a prison life and how he tried discreetly to break some of the prison rules to make Mandela's time in prison a little bit more bearable such as allowing Mandela's wife to visit and letting him hold his grandson and to pass his personal letters to his family. Mandela is one leader we can learn our greatest lessons in life: the spirit of forgiveness and endurance.

[Michael Sosnowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Post Script: Nelson wanted reconciliation, but he forgot about social justice. In the end, the wealthy whites got away scot-free while the majority of the Blacks remained poor. Mandela didn’t really bring about true change, because existing power structures were left in place. South African blacks and colored individuals live in the most unequal society in the world with 60 million living in poverty according to World Bank and the divides are growing wider and wider. Rolling power outages, rail lines plagued from vandalism and theft, the windows, doors, water faucets, tiles, roof panels, signs, signal poles, switches, overhead power cables, isolators, elevators: It has all been gutted. The divide has become even more unequal since the ANC African National Congress has been in power. "2024's next Parliamentary elections is South Africans 1994, that after three lost decades the ANC finally will lose its absolute majority and is perhaps the last chance to overcome the structures of Apartheid."

[David Barth · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting perspective of some the events in Nelson Mandela's life compared to "The Long Walk to Freedom." I met Christo Brand in South Africa several years ago. He came across as an unassuming man caught up in a whirlwind of events. This book provides some insight in Mandela's principles of forgiveness. A worthwhile read.

[Patrick Henley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book!!!

[Chrissa Kuntz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting story, bland writing.

[Barbara Horton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned so much about Nelson Mandela and the struggle for freedom in South Africa. The writing style was fair but the information was quite interesting, so I gave it a four star review.

[Prue Kennard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written by his guard. Bought and read while in Sth Africa

[Anne-Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I picked this book up, I thought I might read a chapter or two every night. But then I just kept on reading and couldn't put the book down. I could so much identify with Christo Brand in the way that he grew up, exactly the same years as me. My parents also taught me not to discriminate against anyone, and have respect for all people, especially elders, no matter what their skin colour. This is a riveting book that taught me so much about the earlier years of Mandela, when he was still in prison. What a remarkable man he was, and what a decent man Christo is. I would have been a poorer person if I didn't read this. My hope is that more people would become aware of this book and read it and my wish is to some day go to Jetty No 1 and ask Christo to autograph my copy of his book. Namasté Christo Brand. Rest in peace Madiba.

[Harry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read from a first hand source outside of Nelson Mandela's family and the ANC. While some may see this book as self serving or vindicating details within this volume and other sources verify the legitimacy of the friendship and respect built between Madiba and his gaoler. A very insightful and touching read.

[Brendan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read with an interesting perspective. I do wonder how much editing took place to place a favourable light on Mr Brand. That aside, I found it to be an interesting insight into life and attitudes of that time in South Africa.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is one we all must read and know. It is tender and moving and focuses on the relationship between Mandela and his warder (warden): a love story of sorts. Unfortunately, it is written in simplistic style which detracts from the message, in my opinion.

[Jane Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting boook, not particularly well written, but a part of our history about which so little is known.

[Tutti Graham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, but somehow I just could not find that moment of really connecting with the author. Still, it was informative.