Person of the Week: Christo Brand

Feb. 12, 2010— -- Christo Brand was 18 when he reported for duty as a prison guard in 1978 at the prison on Robben Island in South Africa. He did not know then that his life would be changed forever by prisoner 46664, Nelson Mandela.

"They informed us that we're going to meet the biggest criminals in the history of South Africa," Brand said.

Nelson Mandela was 60, already in prison since 1964; still forced to sleep on the floor.

Much has changed in the years since Mandela's release from prison Feb. 11, 1990. This week marks the 20th anniversary of his freedom, but the memories of his 27 years behind bars still linger for both Mandela, 91, and Brand.

Brand's family was Afrikaner and affiliated with the party that famously and fiercely supported apartheid, the country's system of legal racial segregation.

But when the young prison guard met Mandela, he was struck by the political leader's respect for Brand, even though they were of different races. Slowly, a trust grew between the two men, and Brand began to extend the same respect to Mandela.

Brand recalled one of Winnie Madikizela-Mandala's visits and her request of the prison guard. She had asked Brand if she could show Mandela his infant grandchild, even if just from a distance. Brand refused, telling her children were not allowed in the prison.

But, secretly, Brand came up with a plan on his own, knowing Mandela had not seen children since he was imprisoned. "The only time when [he] would see [his] children was in photos," Brand said.

Quietly, Brand brought the baby to Mandela as Winnie waited in the holding area. No one ever knew about the visit for fear of the possible consequences for both Brand and Mandela. Not even his wife.

"It was just tears coming out of his eyes," Brand said.

It was the first time Mandela had seen a child in more than a decade.