Desmond van Rooyen

Van Rooyen began protecting Mandela from 1994, after he moved over from president FW de Klerk’s security team

I remember the first time I was nominated to be the Number One bodyguard. I travelled with Madiba in the main vehicle, from Houghton to the Union Buildings. During the trip, he tapped me on the shoulder and handed me his mobile phone. I took the phone from him. Madiba then asked me to please phone “Bill” for him. I asked him, “Which Bill sir?” And he replied, “Bill Clinton.”

I was astounded, but I was able to call the White House and link President Clinton with President Mandela.