I Remember Nelson Mandela

The idea to gather the memories of those who served Madibainto a book came from an understanding that most people inSouth Africa, and those around the world, knew him as an icon;as a public figure. It was important to me that the stories ofthose close to him be published so that fifty years from now,even a hundred years from now, when future generations wantto know who Nelson Mandela was, they would not only be toldthe story of the head of state, but they would be able to readthe story of a human being with a caring heart and generoussoul. – Mrs Graça MachelI Remember Nelson Mandela is a collection of remembrancesfrom those who worked with, for and beside Mandela.More than one hundred individuals, from household staffto bodyguards and presidential advisors, have offered theirmemories, which provide warm, poignant and often humorousinsights into what it was like behind the scenes with one of themost revered and beloved political figures the world has seen.‘Nothing is more important than to be loved by your colleagues.'– Nelson Mandela, 5 August 2008, addressing the staff of theNelson Mandela Foundation at a private celebration for his 90thbirthdayThe collection is the dream-child of Mrs Graça Machel who,some months after Nelson Mandela's passing on 5 December2013, met with former members of his staff to thank them fortheir service. Listening to their stories inspired the creation ofthis, the perfect gift book, providing readers with a glimpse intothe man behind the title.