Meet Nelson Mandela's prison guard in 2023
Dear friends,
From recent messages you know that Blue Ear Books has just published an updated edition of the Doing Life with Mandela, the memoir by Christo Brand, Nelson Mandela’s prison guard who became his lifelong friend. You can purchase your own copy or get a complimentary copy by becoming a paid subscriber to this Substack (and emailing me your postal address).
I want to tell you about three special things in the works connected to Christo’s book. The first is an online event featuring Christo and a South African former political prisoner, Igshaan Amlay, in conversation with Blue Ear Books author Andrew Russell, hosted by the estimable Princeton Public Library. Please join us at 2 pm US Eastern Time/ 11 am Pacific Time on Sunday, January 22. Full information is below or at this link.
Second, Christo and Andrew are planning a U.S. speaking tour this November. We’re aiming for Atlanta, Washington, DC and environs, Princeton, and Chicago, but if you know of a group or institution anywhere that would like to host a visit or talk, please email me at ecasey@blueearbooks.com.
Third, Blue Ear Books is considering hosting a 2024 tour of South Africa, dates still TBD, for a small group, probably 12 people. Andrew is developing an excellent itinerary that would include Johannesburg, Cape Town, and the Robben Island prison, plus a wildlife reserve. And of course we would meet Christo Brand. If you’re interested in learning more about that trip, drop me a note.
Below is the full blurb, information and links for the Princeton Public Library online event coming up on January 22. Hope to see you there!
Publisher, Blue Ear Books
Nelson Mandela’s Unlikely Friendship with His Prison Guard
Christo Brand and guests discuss "Doing Life with Mandela"
Sunday, January 22, 2023, 2 pm ET/ 11 am PT
Register here:
https://princetonlibrary.libnet.info/event/7806395
Former Robben Island prison guard Christo Brand and ex-prisoner Igshaan Amlay join us via Zoom from South Africa to discuss how they built bridges across the racial divide during and after apartheid.
Afrikaner farm boy Christo Brand joined the South African prison service at age 17 to avoid having to serve in the military, as all white males were required to do under the apartheid regime. He found himself guarding men he was told were the country’s most notorious terrorists: Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, Ahmed Kathrada – names that would later become legendary worldwide for moral and political heroism.
The lifelong friendship Brand forged with Mandela is the subject of his memoir, first published in 2014. The book’s London launch was presided over by Mandela’s daughter Zindzi, at her late father’s behest. Mandela passed away in December 2013 at age 95.
Now updated and republished by Blue Ear Books, with a special section of freshly commissioned writings by 16 people who knew both men well – including fellow political prisoners, family members, European and North American activists and educators, and a member of South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission – "Doing Life with Mandela: My Prisoner, My Friend" is more timely than ever, showing as it does the difference that personal respect and friendship can make in a racially divided society and under an oppressive regime.
This virtual event via Zoom will feature Christo Brand and former prisoner Igshaan Amlay in conversation with Andrew Russell, author of the forthcoming book "The Leadership We Need: Lessons for Today from Nelson Mandela".
The library is thrilled to be hosting this event, which is the North American launch of the new edition of "Doing Life with Mandela". Christo Brand and Andrew Russell are planning an in-person speaking tour of the United States in November 2023.
“Brand may be seen as a milestone in Mandela’s political mission: his first white convert.”
– John Carlin, author of "Playing the Enemy" (made into the film Invictus) and "Knowing Mandela"
