Doing Life with Mandela: My Prisoner, My Friend

by Christo Brand, Barbara Jones, Andrew Russell (Editor)

Afrikaner farm boy Christo Brand joined the South African prison service at age 17 to avoid having to serve in the military, as all white males were required to do under the apartheid regime. He found himself guarding men he was told were the country’s most notorious Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, Ahmed Kathrada – names that would later become legendary worldwide for moral and political heroism. The lifelong friendship Brand forged with Mandela is the subject of his memoir, first published in 2014. The book’s London launch was presided over by Mandela’s daughter Zindzi, at her late father’s behest. Mandela passed away in December 2013 at age 95. Now updated and republished by Blue Ear Books, with a special section of freshly commissioned writings by 16 people who knew both men well – including fellow political prisoners, family members, European and North American activists and educators, and a member of South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission – Doing Life with My Prisoner, My Friend is more timely than ever, showing as it does the difference that personal respect and friendship can make in a racially divided society and under an oppressive regime. “Brand had the bigness of heart to see beyond Mandela ‘the terrorist’, ‘the communist’, the convicted prisoner. Seeing that Mandela treated him with kindness and respect, he responded in kind. Brand may be seen as a milestone in Mandela’s political his first white convert.” – John Carlin, author of Playing the Enemy (made into the film Invictus ) and Knowing Mandela “I used to think how wonderful it was for two people to enjoy this kind of relationship, when one had been a prisoner and the other a warder. I once posed that question to my uncle, Ahmed Kathrada, and he replied, ‘In life one has to forgive and move away from bitterness and hatred, and only then will we be able to live in peace and harmony with each other.’” – from the Foreword by Zohra Kathrada Areington “Too often the study of history focuses on the stories of the great figures alone and fails to look at the equally important role played by common individuals in shaping history. There has always been a mass of people who blindly follow the party holding power or act with indifference to preserve their own safety when evil occurs, and a very small number of people who courageously follow their values, fight for the rights of the oppressed, and change the world for the better. This is where the power and importance of Christo’s story comes in. His story provides a very personal touch to South Africa and Nelson Mandela. Sure, it is about Mandela and being a witness to some of the most important events in South Africa’s history. But it is truly Christo’s story, one that shows how a young man working for the apartheid state was not afraid to break the rules, show humanity, and do the right thing to make the lives of his prisoners more bearable while standing up against the system. It provides a lesson of the importance of the ordinary individual in actively challenging the system, doing the honourable thing, and influencing necessary change.” – Ian Middleton, history teacher and rugby coach, Ashbury College, Ottawa

Genres: Nonfiction, South Africa

390 pages, Paperback

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.