Hearing from Nelson Mandela’s Prison Officer

“Men like Warrant Officer Brand reinforced my belief in the essential humanity even of those who had kept me behind bars for the previous twenty-seven and a half years.”

– Nelson Mandela.

Unlocked Graduates were honoured to hear from Christo Brand, Nelson Mandela’s former prison officer and close friend. Unlocked Graduates believe that the frontline prison officer is fundamental to the experience of prisoners, a belief shared by Christo.

Christo shared his life story with us, explaining his decision to become a prison officer and his first few days on the landings in Robben Island. He described the first time he met Nelson Mandela, at the time a political prisoner in isolation. Christo had never heard of Mandela at that point, and he didn’t fit the description of a terrorist that his colleagues had given him.

Christo made it clear to our audience of participants on our leadership development programme, colleagues and friends from across the sector that his experiences were different from the challenges faced by HMPPS in the UK. He also raised the difference between the political prisoners he looked after, and those convicted for criminal offenses. The thread that tied between them both, was the humanity he treated the prisoners with and the importance of the relationship between frontline staff and the prisoners.

This was clear from Mandela, who was quoted as saying, “Men like Warrant Officer Brand reinforced my belief in the essential humanity even of those who had kept me behind bars for the previous twenty-seven and half years.” Christo himself said “we must respect each other as human beings.”

Mandela also advised Christo to get an education so he could progress in the prison service and also understand his prisoners better. Christo found jobs for prisoners and encouraged local businesses to give them employment upon their release: “Prisoners can do better things in life, we must give them a chance.” This is an effort we see replicated in our participants and Ambassadors here in England and Wales.

Andrew Russell, Christo’s business manager concluded this remarkable talk by saying, “If these two men could meet, and treat each other with respect and form a friendship, there’s no reasons anyone else in the world couldn’t do that.” We wholeheartedly agree and are grateful for Christo and Andrew’s time and insight.

Christo was also interviewed by the Independent. When asked what advice he’d give to our Unlocked Graduates participants today he said: “Do your job according to regulations and be human. Support them [the prisoners], give them advice and change minds. Let them start again from the beginning and make a positive difference.”