Just wanted to say how much we enjoyed hearing and speaking to you and Christo this morning. Watching from the back you could see the boys were really engaged; in fact, as soon as you went off line, several of them commented how good it had been. Speaking for myself, I found it once again a fascinating talk – and really quite emotional. It is so good for the young to experience things like this – thank you so much for putting it on. – Tom Edwards

Summer Fields School, Oxford - Zoom, 14th June 2022

That has to be the best one hour I have spent in ten years – a WBHS parent.

Wynberg Boys High School matrics and parents - 14th June 2022

Thank you @christobrand60 for such an inspirational talk on your unlikely friendship with Nelson Mandela. Excellent questions F6; you will remember this experience for a long time. Respect, kindness, humility. Education is key. You can make a difference!

Upton House School, UK - Teams, 17 May 2022

I’m honored, humbled, in awe. And, honestly, still in disbelief that we met in-person. As an avid and interested learner of African history, it was surreal to share conversations with you and I’m quite sure I wasn’t terribly articulate under the pressure!

Once I started your book, there was hardly any putting it down, I finished in two days. Reminiscent of Hamilton & Washington, your close relationship with Mr. Mandela obviously influenced his policy, his rhetoric, and subsequently your country’s future without the need for outside recognition. Your contributions to this modern South Africa are so great and you react to it all in such a humble manner that it brings tears to my eyes. It’s clear that you and Mr. Mandela were meant to be friends, old kindred souls finding each other and growing from the friendship. Both such caring people, understanding the bigger picture and trying to prepare for it.

It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to spend those few hours together on your island of ghosts. I will forever cherish this autographed book and the memories you gave us. Thank you for sharing your story, for continuing to inspire everyone you come in contact with, and for your beautiful commitment to humanity. Please if you ever come to Miami, I would be delighted to see you again, share a meal, a drink, or a handshake. And I’ll be ready to bother you and your wife for some famous fruit cake next time we’re in Cape Town! I wish you and your family nothing less than complete happiness and fulfillment in the years to come. We are endlessly appreciative of you.

Private Robben Island Tour, Jess and Jason - April 2022

Nicki, we would like to thank you for the unique experience we had tonight at Christo Brand’s house. To us, it was not only the story of a special friendship between two men, but also a very touching and truthful story about all South African people. – Claudine from Belgium

Dinner at Home with Christo and Estelle - 13th April 2022

The experience today was world class in spite of the less than ideal weather. Christo is South Africa as every foreigner should meet it – Jami van der Merwe

Private Robben Island tour - 24 March 2022

I wanted to thank both of you for the excellent presentation to the Ashbury students last Friday.

Christo, as always your story continues to the inspire. The students not only learn so much about Nelson Mandela, but the message of respect, compassion and humanity are so important to them.

Igshaan, thank you so much for joining the presentation. The students were amazed by your story, and horrified by the treatment you faced under the apartheid state. Today’s youth live in a world, where such injustices are rare (although there is still work to be done), in large part their world is a better place due to the struggles that you and your peers went through. The students were very moved by your story and truly could relate, being a similar age to what you were when you were tried, convicted and imprisoned. You are a gifted speaker, and at least for me, you truly brought the horror and the chaos of that horrible day to life. Also it was wonderful for the students to see how you and Christo bonded, and have formed a lifelong friendship. The strength of your friendship was very clear from the presentation.

Thank you to both of you for sharing your story, and I would be remiss not to thank Andrew for his fine job as moderator. I don’t recall a presentation at Ashbury being so well received by all in the school.

Ian Middleton, History Teacher.

Ashbury College remote talk with Igshaan Amlay, 11th February 2022

Thank you and Mr. Brand very much for the talk. Our students are very happy and now have a lot of important issues to think over.

Teams live with Collegio San Carlo, Milan - 9th February 2022

‘I would not call this a virtual event as it almost felt like I was living the lives of Mr Brand and Mr Lionel. It was a really special experience and it exposed me to more intricate knowledge of African history.’
‘Mr. Davis’ words about creating change by living your life in love is such a simple act that can change everything. Paired with Mr. Brand’s (and President Mandela’s of course) emphasis on education the transformation of humanity is possible.’
‘This was one of the most transformative programs I’ve ever attended. I’m not a particularly emotional person, but I found myself moved to tears at a couple of points.’

Edu-Africa - Central Piedmont & Davidson-Davie Community Colleges, Zoom - 18 November 2021

We loved your seminar – thank you so much! All the staff and children were very positive about it. It was just the right length, and so well put together, with just the right amount of information, and some interesting visuals too. What an amazing story you have to tell.

St Faith's School, UK - Remote session, 3rd November 2021

 


“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