I thought the Christo Brand talk was: Inspirational – the story of a relationship between a guard and a prisoner. From one hour of Christo Brand talking I could see how kind Christo Brand was to all and what colour your skin was didn’t matter. From one hour Christo Brand told the highs (playing table tennis with Nelson Mandela ) and the lows (when Christo Brand’s son sadly dies). This talk taught me a lot. Many thanks – Flo
I found the talk very interesting, as Nelson Mandela saw that his prison guard was still a person and wanted to be his friend. It was nice hearing Christo talking about their friendship, and the fact that Nelson Mandela found Christo after he was released shows that he thought that Christo was a genuinely good person – James

Emanuel School, UK - Zoom, 14th October 2021

One of the more unique experiences we had on our trip was a private boat tour with Christo Brand, one of Nelson Mandela’s prison guards. Mr Brand has written a book that details their path from prisoner/guard to close friends over the years that they were together. Rough seas prevented us taking our planned route around Robben Island where the prison was, but our more sheltered route along the coast allowed for some great views while we listened to Mr Brand’s stories. Thanks to African Links Travel and Travel Artistry Africa for arranging this amazing evening. – Cliff on Instagram

Only One yacht charter trip - 16 September 2021

“Just to say thanks for organizing this presentation. While I knew some of this story was great to have Christo tell his story in person. I’m sure all watching took a lot from this presentation and I hope carry this powerful message of mutual respect with them moving forward.”
“Thanks very much for giving us an opportunity to learn far more about such a great man and the situations around his life. I found today very informative, powerful and certainly emotive.”

Warwick Academy, Bermuda - Teams session, 21st September 2021

Christo spoke well and conducted a great experience from start to finish. The guests really enjoyed his company and story.

Private cruise on the Princess Emma Yacht, 16 September 2021

Christo was the guest speaker at this gala dinner. He was amazing; he blew the audience away with his insights into his journey with Nelson Mandela. The conference theme was Change – Better.

SAOA Past Presidents Dinner - Mount Nelson Hotel - 29 August 2021

A massive thank you to you, Andrew, and Christo. The group absolutely loved the session!!!!

Vanessa Barros, Leadership and Cultural Intelligence - Zoom, 9th July 2021

I had the great privilege of speaking to Christo Brand yesterday about his experiences as a prison warder for Nelson Mandela and the amazing friendship they developed. Andrew and Clementine, our Sixth Form students, were brilliant with their interview. A truly inspiring experience.

Richard Brewster, Stamford School - Zoom Interview, 9th July 2021

Our boys will really have benefited from speaking to Christo and to you, and it is an experience of great meaning that I hope they will not forget. I hope it will be possible to repeat it next year!

Tom Edwards - Summerfields, Zoom - 23 June 2021

It was a great thrill to meet with Christo yesterday. The pupils were transfixed by Christo’s stories and the remarkable insights into the life of Nelson Mandela. The session was wonderfully conceived and well-structured and I am grateful to you, both for facilitating the event and juxtaposing the lives of Christo and Nelson Mandela in this very accessible way.

The session prefaced a wider discussion around the evils of Apartheid and recent South African history and your resources were useful in this respect.

I am sure that the session will live long in the memory of all that attended the event. I look forward to repeating it in the future.

Paul Medhurst, King's Prep School, Rochester - Zoom, 15 June 2021

Wow, what an amazing morning for Josie and her classmates! Such a special time spent with Christo. It was almost surreal to be in the presence of Christo, and to think that he was such a big part of history. It is an incredible story! Thank you so much – this will be something the kids will never forget!

Zoom Interview with 4 pupils at Mercer Island High School, Seattle - 26th May 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.” –

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.
” –

Love this book!” –

To read more Amazon reviews, click HERE