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.
Raymond de Villiers talks about understanding how trends like Cheap Energy, Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, Digitisation, Fintech, and other Changing Global Dynamics influence Strategy, Leadership and your Organisation. Raymond de Villiers – Futurist helps corporate understand how trends like Cheap Energy, Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, Digitisation, Fintech, and other Changing Global Dynamics influence Strategy, Leadership […]
Alfred Adriaan is a young comedian flying up the ranks in the SA comedy scene with two consecutive South African comics’ choice nominations under his belt in the best New Comedian & best Intermediate comedian categories. This is significant considering he has only been on the comedy scene for the last 3 years. This dynamic […]
Mike Saunders is a globally recognized digital transformation expert and keynote speaker, known for his ability to simplify complex digital concepts and make them accessible to a broad audience. As the founder and CEO of DigitLab, one of South Africa’s leading digital strategy agencies, Mike has spent over a decade helping businesses navigate the evolving […]
Meet The Muses, a dynamic ensemble whose love and passion for captivating audiences knows no bounds. In the vibrant heart of Johannesburg resides an electric string quartet that transcends the ordinary, infusing every event they grace with an electrifying aura of entertainment and excitement. With a penchant for turning the mundane into the extraordinary, They […]
Candice Mama is a beacon of inspiration, resilience, and compassion, recognized globally for her remarkable journey and impactful contributions. Her indomitable spirit has earned her a place among Vogue Magazine’s esteemed list of the top 33 most inspiring women in the world, standing shoulder to shoulder with icons such as Nicole Kidman, Michelle Obama, and […]
Karyn Maughan is a senior legal journalist at News24, documentary producer and bestselling author. She appears on SABC, Newzroom Afrika and eNCA. She is a BBC contributor. She was the associate producer on aN Amazon Prime Documentary on Oscar Pistorius. The four-part series, called “Pistorius” and was shortlisted for the prestigious Grierson award. She also […]
Tim Cohen, a seasoned business editor and journalist, has profoundly shaped South Africa’s economic reporting landscape with his incisive analysis and commitment to truth. Before joining the highly respected Daily Maverick as Business Editor, Cohen served as the editor of Business Day, one of South Africa’s premier financial newspapers. His career began on the pages […]
Sizakele Marutlulle, founder and CEO of a pan-African strategy and advisory firm, is a powerful voice in reimagining business through a human-centered lens. She champions Humancentric Creatives, a pioneering approach that places people, not just profit, at the heart of organizational success. Sizakele’s advisory work guides leaders across the continent to design inclusive futures, build […]
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
Our Mission:
© All rights reserved 2025. Designed using Voxel
