Tales of apartheid from bodyguard

Man who became part of Nelson Mandela’s security detail spoke about racial segregation during visit to school

of Nelson Mandela’s former bodyguards talked about life under apartheid at Fernhill School’s multicultural day.

Before working for the South African president, Chris Lubbe experienced apartheid, and his stories of resistance gripped staff and students alike.

On Friday July 11, Mr Lubbe explained to listeners at the school, in Neville Duke Road, he and his family lived through horrible events on his way to supporting Mandela’s struggle for democracy.

Student Charlotte Breckon, 14, said: “What an inspirational man, with a fascinating story. The speech really opened my eyes.”

Excited pupils had their photos taken with Mr Lubbe and Sarah Church, 15, was enthused about meeting him. She said: “I will never forget what he said to me. I will follow my dreams, just like he followed his.”

Students wore traditional cultural dress and worked in groups to make multicultural trees made from their handprints, to demonstrate what they had learnt from the day.

Jon Clements, marketing and events co-ordinator at Fernhill School, said the school was proud of the day’s success and will organise follow-up activities for the new academic year.

Chris Lubbe, rear, centre, a South African man who lived through apartheid and went on to become one of Nelson Mandela’s bodyguards, visited Fernhill School, in Farnborough.