Mandela staff remember an icon

In a new book celebrating the 100th anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s birth former staff members share personal anecdotes of their time with the icon

HE WAS loved by celebrities, revered by royalty and adored by ordinary South Africans. But what was Nelson Mandela really like behind the scenes when the gaze of the world wasn’t on him? Was he really so charming and relaxed all the time, or was there another side to him?

No one knew him as well as the people who worked for him and got to see him in action every day.

To coincide with the 100th anniversary of Madiba’s birth, dozens of his former staff members have shared their memories of him in a stunning new book, I Remember Nelson Mandela. From bodyguards to his personal chef and ministers in his cabinet, they all have incredible stories to tell of their encounters with a remarkable man.

For reviews of more books celebrating Madiba’s 100th year, see page 63.