Madiba's former prison guard discusses his relationship with Winnie Mandela
Loading player...
As one of several prison guards of former president Nelson Mandela during his incarceration at Robben Island and later at Pollsmoor Correctional Facility, Christo Brand was one of the few people who witnessed the intimate relationship between Mandela and his former wife, struggle icon Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.
In 1978, the year he was appointed as a guard for the political prisoners on the island, an 18-year-old Brand was introduced to the leader of the African National Congress, prisoner 46664 - Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.
Following Mandela’s release from prison, Brand formed a unique bond with the Mandela family and reconciled the past through his interaction with the women fondly remembered as ‘mama Winnie’.
Speaking to VOC reporter, Thakira Desai, Brand explained that following the end of Apartheid, his relationship with Madikizela Mandela remained tense, but after consistent engagement their bond improved.
In 1978, the year he was appointed as a guard for the political prisoners on the island, an 18-year-old Brand was introduced to the leader of the African National Congress, prisoner 46664 - Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.
Following Mandela’s release from prison, Brand formed a unique bond with the Mandela family and reconciled the past through his interaction with the women fondly remembered as ‘mama Winnie’.
Speaking to VOC reporter, Thakira Desai, Brand explained that following the end of Apartheid, his relationship with Madikizela Mandela remained tense, but after consistent engagement their bond improved.
