Social activist Ndileka Mandela chatted to Polity SA about her new memoir I Am Ndileka: More Than My Surname.

Ndileka Mandela is a social activist, former ICU nurse and the head of a rural upliftment organisation known as the Thembekile Mandela Foundation.

Born to Madiba Thembekile Mandela (Nelson Mandela’s first born), who died in a car accident while his father was in prison, she is the eldest grandchild of Nelson Mandela.

‘I want to confront some of my ghosts through this book and finally lay them to rest,’ Ndileka Mandela says.

‘Contrary to popular belief, people think being from this family is a walk in the park and that we perhaps do not go through the same challenges as everyone else. My life has been a labyrinth of highs and lows and I’m still standing.

‘I thank God for that and my ancestors for all their intercessions. I am the sum of all the decisions I have made so far, good and bad. I am Ndileka Mandela, the first of the first of the first, and this is my story.’

Watch the video:

Categories Non-fiction South Africa South African Current Affairs

Tags BlackBird Books I Am Ndileka Jacana Media Ndileka Mandela Polity SA Videos