I would like to echo Donna’s comments in that I felt so privileged to learn about Nelson Mandela and Christo Brand.  They are both an inspiration for how people can see past perceived differences to become close friends.  Thank you, Andrew, for helping to share this story of incredible friendship with our faculty, staff, and students at Catawba Valley CC. – Jonathan Loss

Catawba Valley Community School Zoom - 21 October 2020

Feedback from both boys and teachers has been very positive. In short: your presentations appear to have been a hit (not that it was ever in doubt). Thanks again. Shaun Hewett.

Bishops College Grade 11 History Classes - 17 and 18 August 2020

Thank you for your inspiring talk we had with the students.  We received very positive feedback and a lot of the students were mover by Christo’s story.

Zoom with Salaheddine Chafouk, ESSEC Business School, Africa - 4 August 2020

“Wow wow wow!! Thank you so much for inviting me…what a great talk…Incredible!” – Freddy Hassan
 
“Really enjoyed your interview with Christo Brand…Amazingly humble and likeable man, and I think you got the very best out of him. You made him the star of the show by short carefully executed interventions, quite a special knack.” – Anna Rice
 
“What a fantastic interview. Well done!” – Jon Charley
 
“This was a fantastic way to spend a Saturday evening” – Garth Scholtz

Mandela Day interview with Dr Dean Allen - 18th July 2020

“Thank you Mr Brand for sharing your story with us; makes one feel proud to be South African and grateful for our freedom today.  Blessings to you and your family” – Cherezaad Jappie

“Very inspirational story, Christo.  Really demonstrates how the power of friendship can overcome anything” – David Pardoe (Zambia)

“Thank you for drawing us closer to the reality of the man Mandela and how he lived through your story. Thank you for choosing kindness over racism” – Omoji Kalu (Nigeria)

British Council in South Africa - MS Teams, 16th July 2020

Wow!!! The resounding humility both in your story and from you is awe inspiring. May you be well and healthy for years to come Mr Brand, I for one classify you as a Hero.

Greg Hurvitz, Melbourne - 23 June 2020

Your story was incredible and highly recommended! Thanks for sharing with our community! – Rabbi Daniel

South Caulfield Hebrew Congregation in Melbourne, 23 June 2020

Wow! I have to say the stories were even more clear the second time around and I get more and more excited to hear from Christo!

The audience sent me a number of personal messages as well saying “Thank you for this amazing lesson, Coach Mike!” “Thank you Coach Mike!” “I’ve learned so much about forgiveness!” and “Amazing stories!”

Zoom with Mike Hague, Shanghai - 5th June 2020

Thank you for putting this time together and for sharing the story of the remarkable friendship between Mr. Mandela and Mr. Brand. Hearing Mr. Brand speak and also having the power point pictures was very effective, I thought. I also appreciated the interview format with (Andrew) asking questions that Mr. Brand responded to. All in all, it was a very good and meaningful time for us.

Northfield Mount Hermon School - Zoom, 14th May 2020

“The format was perfect, slides and pictures were great. A few people remarked on how much they liked the personal pictures and letters.”

“Thank you for arranging this interview. The relationship in the context of those times is in itself fascinating and the friendship between jailer and prisoner almost biblical in significance. Definitely a story that needs to be told.”

“Thanks for making that presentation available for everyone this morning. Seeing the handwritten letters and hearing those personal stories was very interesting.”

Ashbury College - Zoom presentation - 5th May 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