Thank you sooooo much for arranging this assembly and having Mr. Christo Brand speak. His testimonies were amazing and the presentation was moving to me. It was such a privilege to hear him speak and I appreciate all the work that you both do.

Washington Cathedral School - Student comment, January 2021

Thank you so much for the inspiring, powerful talk yesterday! It made such an impact! I am so grateful we were connected to you and able to hear from you and Christo. The stories were all so impactful and moving. I was especially moved by the story about Christo’s son’s relationship with Mandela. I cannot imagine the pain of losing his child, but for Christo to share the beautiful connection his son had with Mandela, and how because of that he spent his life doing what he most wanted, was so powerful.

It was wonderful to spend an hour immersed in Mandela’s teaching and greatness. It left us heartened for the work ahead in our community and country.

Washington Cathedral School, Zoom - 13th January 2021

Meeting Christo Brand was such an honour. Spending years as Mandela’s prison guard, Christo was simply awe inspiring. To hear his stories and have the opportunity to ask questions about his time with Mandela is something I will always remember.

Aussie in Africa - Instagram, January 2021

Hi – my name is Bianca and I’m a Brazilian living in Mexico. I’ve just finished your book and OMG. I had no idea about all you lived with Mandela, but in this book I know the huge human being that you are. Seeing all the injustices and living like a prisoner too. I’m so sorry about your son, but it reminded me about my uncle who died very young too. Thank you for sharing your memories!

Bianca Lopes, January 2021

The new recording is excellent!  Thanks to both of you for an informative video.

Baylor School, December 2020

What a gift for us to be with the two of you today! Such inspirational messages and things to consider thinking about. We are so happy that our students were able to hear from you today. Even though these are stories of the past, they continue being relevant today. Thank you!!! We look forward to going to SA at some point in the near future and meeting in person.

Miami Country Day School - Zoom, December 2020

Overall, I thought everything was wonderful! It was so professionally done, educational, and powerful. One of our attendees texted me yesterday to tell me how much she enjoyed the presentation and that it had moved her to tears.

EduAfrica Zoom, 17th November 2020

Dear Christo

Thank you for an outstanding zoom presentation sharing your courage, care, kindness for the Father of our Nation, President Nelson Mandela.  Yours and his are both inspirational stories. My beloved late mother Zelda Gosschalk met her late husband Bernard Gosschalk when he came out of exile in UK to attend Nelson’s 75th birthday. He was invited by  Mr Mandela to attend.

Bernard was in solitary confinement for some months and went into exile. He and his then wife Ruth, who died of cancer in UK, were activists. My mother was also active against apartheid. I met Mr Mandela too.

Thank you for your inspiration Christo. And I am sorry for the tragic loss of your son. God bless you for taking care of Mandela, Sisulu and others. – Gill Fish

Chabad Double Bay, Sydney - Zoom, Sunday 15th November 2020

Thank you so much for organising that really inspiring lecture. Loved hearing from Christo, and could have done for hours. Like his style. Really interesting Mandela’s thoughts on education as the means of personal development. Good for us all to think about! – Andrew Prichard 

Elstree School, UK - MS Teams, Saturday 14th November 2020

Just finished your book. What an inspirational read. Also informative about SA etc. My lasting impression was of the power of the positive to institute change. But also the place of kindness and compassion; the world could use more people like yourself. So thank you.

Book review - Lee Dunstan, Australia - October 2020

 


“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