‘I attempt to humanise Mandela through my experiences’
South African leader’s ‘right-hand person’, lined up for literature festival, hopes her book will inspire
It has been a life extraordinaire for Zelda La Grange. Little did she realise in 1994 — when she took up a job as a typist for Mary Mxadana, former private secretary to Nelson Mandela — that it would be a turning point in her life.
Born in Pretoria, South Africa, La Grange embarked on a career that would one day afford her a privilege few can dream of, much less enjoy.
In 1996, La Grange was promoted to assistant private secretary, and in 1999, she was again promoted to private secretary to the office of the president. It was the beginning of her understanding of one of the most unforgettable visionaries the world will ever know.
In her book Good Morning Mr Mandela, la Grange writes of her experiences of working with Mandela.
In an exclusive email interview with Gulf News, La Grange, who will be participating in the Emirates Literature Festival in March next year, speaks of what inspired her to write the book and why she is looking forward to visiting Dubai.
Four years after Good Morning, Mr Mandela, what has been life like?
I had initially thought I would publish the book, promote it and do my motivational speaking for another year or two, but four years later the world doesn’t seem to get saturated with the inspiration of Nelson Mandela’s legacy.
I have been busier than ever, and to me it feels like I travel more now than I did with President Mandela. Of course it is not entirely true as it is very different when the focus is on you. I see this as my calling now; sharing my experiences and in a way revealing my life to people who desire and deserve to hear about him.
When the term ‘an extraordinary life’ is used, would you apply that to your life as Mandela’s ‘right-hand’ person? Absolutely, with the focus on “extra”. It has been an immense privilege working for one of the world icons of our time.
When you look back on how circumstances shaped your narrative, what strikes you as the most incredible play of factors?
“There were a number of factors. My personality type, sense of urgency, sense of humour, inherent respect — though it was misdirected during my early years — and my simplicity were all factors that worked in my favour.
My age was important in the beginning because I had the energy levels to multitask. Commitment and loyalty were also major factors. But after this journey, I also have a deep respect for fate. You cannot control what happens to you. At any given point in your life, you will be exactly at the place where you are supposed to be, for whatever reasons which we don’t always understand or are even meant to comprehend.
For everyone who reads your book, what do you hope will stay with them?
I attempt to humanise the icon and the world leader through my experiences and secondly to inspire people to believe that change is always possible.