THERE are few people in history who's name is more iconic than that of Nelson Mandela. He had the humility to embrace white people who treated him so harshly for the majority of his life. And he bought an end to the apartheid movement and taught us all to ‘love thy enemy.' On Dec. 5, 2013, the world mourned his death, but perhaps none more so than his long time assistant Zelda la Grange. Zelda was born in South Africa to a wealthy white family, but became Nelson Mandela's personal assistant for over 20 years. Following his death a year ago today, she wrote a book “Good Morning Mr Mandela,” which highlights his incredible life following his freedom from over 27 years in prison in 1990. One of Mandela's best known quotes reflecting on those years is this, “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” In an exclusive interview with the Saudi Gazette, Zelda recalls Nelson Mandela's many visits to Saudi Arabia and the special times he had visiting the Kingdom. It was during Mandela's visit to Riyadh on May 29, 1994, that the South African government signed an agreement establishing diplomatic relations with the Kingdom. Saudi Gazette: What is your favorite memory of Nelson Mandela? Everyone that knew Nelson Mandela will agree that his sense of humor was infectious. So was his smile. My favorite memory of him is obviously the memory of the last time I saw him on July 11, 2013. He was still able to respond and when he recognized my voice he opened his eyes, fixed his eyes on me and met me with that bright broad smile. Saudi Gazette: What did your parents say when they knew you were going to work for him? Very true to their individual characters my father was a bit pessimistic not knowing what to expect of the man we were brought to believe during the apartheid years, was the enemy. I am sure he was scared for my safety because in those years we believed all the propaganda we were fed and to our side of the political divide Nelson Mandela was the enemy. My mother on the other hand is a more moderate personality of nature and she was cautiously excited for me. However, both of them knew me well enough to know that if at any point I felt unhappy or unsafe, I would have the courage to leave. But I never did or never wanted to and slowly their perspective of the man changed as I grew fond of him myself and reported stories at home about his treatment towards me. Saudi Gazette: Tell us about his visits to Saudi Arabia? In the first years of my employment with him I didn't travel with him and I cannot count those, or the visits prior to his presidency, but I accompanied him on at least six to eight visits to Riyadh over the years to follow. He was friends with the royal family, the late king as well as the current king and also Prince Bandar Bin Sultan and his immediate family. The royal family supported many of Mandela's charitable causes over the years and always extended great hospitality. Mandela, as a result, fostered a close relationship with the Saudi people and always maintained that relationship. From the very few people who were invited as Mandela's guests to his wedding, Prince Bandar was one of the close friends to have been invited. Mandela obviously also discussed world events and valued their opinion on matters of general interest. Saudi Gazette: Where did he enjoying visiting the most, and how did he spend his time in the Kingdom? On most occasions we visited Riyadh. He also visited hospitals in Riyadh where South African nurses and doctors were employed but mostly his visits were limited to the King and Crown Princes' palaces. He generally enjoyed traveling anywhere but because of his close friendship with the royal family. He maintained those friendships and relationships over the years. He also enjoyed the food served to him in Saudi Arabia whenever we traveled there. When you visit a place often you grow fond of the place and its people. Saudi Gazette: One year later, what do you miss most about Nelson Mandela, and how has your life changed? My life has changed completely. One has to get use to life without a person I spent 19 years with. Sadly, it also meant that I now see less of his friends and his wife because our lives are drifting apart and he was the glue that kept us all together. My story is one of change and second chances and I consider it an obligation to share the lessons I have learnt, with those willing to listen. As Nelson Mandela so famously said: “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” One year later, the world mourns Nelson Mandela, but his legacy will live on forever.
