Christo Brand is a South African former prison guard who was one of several that were responsible for guarding Nelson Mandela. He came to Robben Island, where Mandela was being held, in 1978 when he was 19 years old. In 1982 he was transferred along with Mandela to Pollsmoor Prison. Christo and Mandela developed a […]
Christo Brand is a South African former prison guard who was one of several that were responsible for guarding Nelson Mandela. He came to Robben Island, where Mandela was being held, in 1978 when he was 19 years old.
In 1982 he was transferred along with Mandela to Pollsmoor Prison. Christo and Mandela developed a close friendship over the course of many years. He is the co-author of his book, Doing Life with Mandela: My Prisoner, My Friend (2014). Christo retired from Robben Island on 31st July 2018 to pursue his storytelling on a full-time basis.
How was it possible for these two men from such seemingly different backgrounds to develop a relationship which was to become so much more – a lasting friendship based on a mutual trust and respect for each other?
Surely, they should have hated each other. One was a white, 18-year-old Afrikaans speaking prison guard representing the oppressive, apartheid regime of the time; the other – a black, 60-year-old Xhosa speaking terrorist serving a life sentence.
Rather than join the army for National Service as was compulsory for every South African white male, Christo Brand decided to join the prison service. After training for a year in Kroonstad, he applied for a post on Robben Island because he wanted to be close to home.
His application was successful and at the age of 19 he was sent to work on Robben Island in 1978. That was when Christo first came across Nelson Mandela who at that time was 60 years old. This was where they formed a relationship which was to become so much more. A close friendship built on trust and mutual respect for each other.
In 1982, Mandela was transferred to Pollsmoor Prison. On 13th March that year, Christo married Estelle. Soon afterwards, Christo was transferred to Pollsmoor and was responsible for guarding Mandela for the next 6 years.
Encouraged and supported by Nelson Mandela, in 2014 Christo wrote his book “Doing Life with Mandela – My Prisoner, My Friend”, with co-author Barbara Jones.
In the Foreword, Ahmed Kathrada writes: “My lasting impression of Christo Brand is that he’s a very good human being. He’s not a politician; he’s just a very caring man who took chances for other people, which could have brought him trouble.
I sincerely hope that Christo’s book will receive the respect and attention it deserves. It is a valuable addition to the writings about imprisonment in the apartheid era, and it is written by a fine man.
It is also unique in that it is the most honest account I have read by a warden relating their interaction with Nelson Mandela, and for that alone it deserves credit. I wish Christo Brand all the success in the world.”
Contact us at Speakers Inc and subscribe to our YouTube channel
In order to view the below you must be logged in.
Vuyolwethu Dubese embodies the essence of innovation and impact-driven entrepreneurship. As an Innovation and Monitoring & Evaluation Consultant, Corporate Moderator, Host of the ESG for SMEs Podcast, and Angel Investor, Vuyolwethu is dedicated to fostering a new era of business that prioritizes societal and environmental impact alongside financial success. With a fervent belief in equitable […]
Carol Tshabalala is one of Africa’s most iconic sports broadcasters and an inspiring pioneer in her field. Dubbed South Africa’s “First Lady of Sport,” Carol has broken barriers in a male-dominated industry, building a career that has spanned over 20 years. Her journey has seen her rise to global recognition, with work that includes covering […]
Embark on an extraordinary journey with Alex van den Heever and Renias Mhlongo as they unravel the profound lessons learned from 25 years of collaboration amidst the world’s most unforgiving terrains. Their keynote presentation, “The Power of Relationships,” is an unparalleled narrative that delves into the intricacies of human connections, mirrored against the backdrop of […]
Simone Musgrave is a woman of class and integrity but that does not mean that a sense of adventure and lust for the unusual has failed her. To think that her life has been a conventional one would be a grave misinterpretation of a woman who continues to inspire us with her success and determination […]
Alan Knott-Craig is a luminary figure in the realm of entrepreneurship and social innovation, renowned for his unwavering commitment to bridging the digital divide in Africa. As a highly successful entrepreneur, best-selling author, and visionary leader, he has left an indelible mark on both the business landscape and the community at large. At the helm […]
Tatjana Smith stands as a symbol of excellence, having achieved the pinnacle of success as an Olympic champion. Her journey to gold began at an early age, displaying exceptional talent in swimming and a relentless commitment to her sport. Competing in international arenas, Tatjana consistently impressed audiences and judges alike with her precision, strength, and […]
Dr Saville is a passionate advocate for economic inclusivity and social justice. He has dedicated his career to unraveling the intricate tapestry of South Africa’s economy, working tirelessly to identify opportunities for sustainable development and shared prosperity.
The Parlotones singer and songwriter, Kahn Morbee, started learning to play the guitar at the age of 17, where he began a journey into song writing that would eventually end up defining The Parlotones sound. In the summer of 1998, Morbee was introduced to Neil Pauw, a drummer who had attended the same high school […]
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
Our Mission
© All rights reserved 2025. Designed using Voxel
