Nelson Mandela: A Glimpse into the Personal Life of the South African Icon
Discover the extraordinary side of Nelson Mandela with an intimate coffee table book by his daughter, Dr Pumla Makaziwe Mandela Delve into the private life of this revered statesman through never-before-seen photographs, offering a unique perspective on the remarkable family man behind the legend
The life story of Nelson Mandela is widely known, with numerous books, articles, films, and documentaries documenting his life. However, a new book written by his daughter offers a unique and personal perspective on the renowned statesman. Titled "Mandela: In Honor of an Extraordinary Life" and published by Rizzoli, this photographic account delves into the man himself and his family. Dr. Pumla Makaziwe Mandela, the youngest and sole surviving child of Nelson and his first wife Evelyn Mase, provides an intimate portrayal of her father's mission to bring about a new era for their nation, as well as the growth of their family throughout this journey.
The book features a tribute by Reverend Al Sharpton and includes passages from Dr. Mandela. It also offers previously unpublished images of Mandela's private life and his children. These images, which have not been seen before, are being released almost 10 years after his death in December 2013 at the age of 95 in Johannesburg, South Africa.
According to an email to CNN, Dr. Mandela shared that she wrote the book with the intention of providing a deeper understanding of who Mandela was and what shaped him as a person. She emphasized that he possessed a specific moral code that he learned from his ancestors and followed consistently until his passing.
The book serves as a tribute to her father and a valuable reference for her grandchildren. It aims to preserve the memory of their great grandfather and inspire them with his bravery and compassion for humanity.
Dr. Mandela's narrative is organized into chapters that explore different aspects of her father's life. It begins with his upbringing in the village of Qunu in the Eastern Cape and continues to depict his journey as an activist, prisoner, politician, and family man. Additionally, it also delves into his lasting impact on society. The book sheds light on various aspects of his life, such as the harsh conditions he endured during his imprisonment on Robben Island. It also reveals lesser-known episodes, like his daring escape to Johannesburg to avoid an arranged marriage, where he resorted to the desperate measure of stealing and selling a cow to finance his journey.
The author, despite her lifelong relationship with him, gained new insights about her father, affectionately called "Tata" (father in Xhosa), through the writing process. Dr. Mandela stated, "I gained a better understanding of my father's sacrifices".
She further explained, "He had to make difficult choices throughout his life. When he pursued higher education, he hoped to uplift his mother and sisters from poverty. Although he had regrets about not being able to achieve that at a personal level, he found success on a broader scale by contributing to the liberation of his fellow countrymen."
Implementing change is a challenging task that requires immense bravery, determination, and steadfastness. It was understood that transforming South Africa would necessitate the united effort of all individuals, with the aim of inclusively involving the entire nation. In preparation for the release of the book, CNN invited Dr. Mandela to reflect on a series of previously undisclosed family photographs, providing her insights and recollections. Explore the gallery above to unveil further revelations.
"Mandela: In Honor of an Extraordinary Life" is published by Rizzoli and on sale in the US and UK now.
