‘Grandad Mandela’ book for kids

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WITH Nelson Mandela centenary celebrations under way, the late, former statesman’s family have honoured his legacy with a beautiful tribute.

The Mandela Legacy, an organisation started by Mandela’s youngest daughter Zindzi, hosted a focus group to introduce the Grandad Mandela picture book.

In the book, Zindzi’s youngest grandchildren, Ziwenele and Zaza, ask her about their great-grandfather.

The children discover snippets about Mandela, from why he spent 27 years in prison to him winning a Nobel Peace Prize as well as how he became the country’s first democratically elected president.

The book, which was co-authored by Zindzi and her grandchildren, is from a child’s perspective with questions ranging from “why did Grandad go to jail?” and “what is justice?”

Mandela’s grandson Zondwa said the project will allow children aged four to 12 to learn the history of one of South Africa’s greatest icons.

“One of the main purposes of this project is to retell iconic stories to our younger generation,” Zondwa said.

“It is a way of simplifying answers to questions our children have, and also to address more complex questions children need to know the answers to from a very young age.”

Media personality Shado Twala said the launch of the book has come at the perfect time.

“Seeing that it is almost the time for the celebration of Nelson Mandela’s centenary birthday, it is important for children of all ages to understand who he was and at such a young age, comprehend the change and freedom he brought to the lives of many people,” Twala said.

The book is scheduled to be released on June 28.