Winnie distances herself from controversial book
Wants author to reveal who gave the permission
Late president Nelson Mandela’s former wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela has distanced herself from the controversial book detailing his last years.
In a statement released yesterday, Madikizela-Mandela said she was “disturbed” by reports that she allegedly gave permission for the now-recalled book written by his former doctor Vejay Ramlakan.
“I have played no role in the Penguin book Mandela’s Last Years. Let me reiterate that I played absolutely no role at all at any stage of this book,” Madikizela-Mandela said.
“I have been disturbed by reports that I either gave permission for the publication of the book by Dr Vejay Ramlakan or approved of it after its publication.
“There is no truth to any of this. Only Ramlakan can tell the South African public and the world who commissioned him or approved of this book.”
Ramlakan has reportedly said he was granted permission by the Mandela family to write the book, without identifying the people who gave him the green light to reveal the details of the late statesman’s twilight years.
The book’s publisher, Penguin Random House SA, announced on Monday that it would stop further distribution of the book following threats of legal action by Mandela’s wife Graça Machel and the executors of Madiba’s estate.
The decision was made “out of respect” for the Mandela family, said the publisher.
The decision was also supported by Mandela’s grandsons, Mandla and Ndaba, including the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
Ndaba also accused Ramlakan of trying to make money off the global icon.
He described Ramlakan as a “loser”.
Mandela’s eldest granddaughter Ndileka said the book compromised her grandfather’s dignity and was unfair and disrespectul.
They demanded that the Health Professions Council of SA investigate Ramlakan’s actions.
Madikizela-Mandela said it was now up to Ramlakan to explain how her autograph ended up on the book.
“In terms of the autograph I gave to the author, this was a courtesy on my part for someone who had cared for Madiba,” Madikizela-Mandela said.
“He brought me the first copy and he said, ‘Mama, can you sign the first copy?’
“I am asked for my autograph often and my autograph has never become an endorsement of anything,” she added.