I just want to sincerely thank you, for setting up tonight’s Forum Speaker… I am humbled that we were able to listen to Christo Brand share his story with us, of his time with the legend that is Madiba!  A truly special evening!

The Forum, Port Elizabeth - 20 May 2019

Meeting Christo Brand was the highlight of my recent trip to South Africa.  Christo Brand was Nelson Mandela’s prison warden.  The two became lifelong friends.  Rules were broken and small but great acts of kindness were shown by this amazing man at risk to himself.  Brand wrote the book “Mandela – My Prisoner, My Friend” at Mandela’s urging, insistent he must tell his story.  And what a story it is.  

Shobha Gopinath on Instagram

This book gives a different perspective showcasing Mandela’s leadership, someone I will always deeply respect.  Christo Brand is a brave and kind man who gave his friendship and support to Mr Mandela and his fellow prisoners in times of hardship and that deserves respect  #mustread

Tameena Hussain on Twitter

Mr Brand’s rating was very good: Enrichment Lecturer – Mr. Christo Brand 9.17/10.  Congratulations, an excellent score.

Silverseas Whisper - 17 to April 2019

It was an absolute winner and everyone had a great time. 

Evergreen Broadacres - 9 May 2019

The evening was a huge success and the guests all absolutely loved listening to him talk. There were loads of questions which he answered for them and some even bought a few more books from him!! 

We did the book presentations at the end of the evening, rather than placing the books in the rooms for them! This also afforded the members to have their photo taken with him while holding the book! They loved it. 

 

Abercrombie and Kent - 7 April 2019

We so enjoyed the talk.  What an inspiring story.  Such an amazing evening.

Women's Group Talk - 14 March 2019

Christo, I just finished reading your book. Thank you so much for sharing this incredible story. I’m so sorry for not hugging you at that meeting in Sao Paulo. In 2009 I was at Mandela’s house in Soweto, which is now a museum, and I hope to spend a brief day visiting Robben Island. Big hug! God bless you and your family a lot.

Bruno Cavalcanti - Sao Paulo, September 2018

We had the unforgettable opportunity to meet Christo and since he speaks from the heart we could almost feel ourselves the emotion of spending some time with one of the greatest leaders of the world, Nelson Mandela. We have proposed an event to share Transformative Meetings that had happened to our speakers and definitely everybody who was in the Theater that night came back home a totally changed person. Thanks a lot, Christo, for giving us that once-in-a-lifetime experience in Brazil.   Suellen Mascaro

Inspira Event - Sao Paulo, September 2018

I heard from our Tour Director that the guests loved the lecture.  I am so happy!

Tauck Tours lecture - Cape Grace, 12 January 2019

 


“Beautiful story of an unlikely friendship that lasted decades.” – BMR, MSW, LSW

“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.” – Laura Pugh

“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.” – Dee Halzack

“Inspiring story that shows extending kindness even in the darkest of situations can have positive results.” – Sarah Snow

To read more Good Read reviews, click HERE

“A powerful and heartwarming story about two men!” – carol dougherty

“Had the privilege of meeting and hearing Mr Brand speak while on a trip to South Africa. Enjoyed reading the entire story and learning more about Mandela.” – christeen

“This book should be prescribed reading for all warders, teaches, policeman and people who are taking up positions of power over others.
Mandela at a time of powerlessness recognized that Christo Brand was also in a weak position an gave him respect. Mandela was able to distinguish between the warder and the organization and protected Christo by not demanding favors that would have had bad consequences for Him.
Mandela would have had many warders during his time in prison and I like to think that dome of the others might have also been like Christo. Some might have been moved on because they where also bending the rules in favor of their special prisoners.” – Sandra Jane Todd

“Love this book!” – Kay Scott

To read more Amazon reviews, click HERE