Africa Daily - How did Nelson Mandela reconcile his warring bodyguards?

How did Nelson Mandela reconcile his warring bodyguards?

Download How did Nelson Mandela reconcile his warring bodyguards?

DISCLAIMER: This episode originally aired on 18 July 2022

In July Alan Kasujja went on the road with Africa Daily and his first stop was Johannesburg.

Alan wanted to hear from people, out and about, and - as luck would have it – he’d arrived just in time for a special day: Nelson Mandela’s birthday, when the legacy of the former President and anti-apartheid hero is celebrated in South Africa.

As the country’s new President in 1994, Mandela faced the massive challenge of bringing black and white South Africans together.

But not many people know that he started this task with those closest to him: his bodyguards.

Alan spoke to a black former freedom fighter and a white former apartheid police officer – who both became Mr. Mandela’s bodyguards.

They hated each other at first – but eventually became close friends.

Published on Monday, 26th December 2022.

Available Podcasts from Africa Daily

Subscribe to Africa Daily

We are not the BBC, we only list available podcasts. To find out more about the programme including episodes available on BBC iPlayer, go to the Africa Daily webpage.