Penguin Random House South Africa has withdrawn new book Mandela’s Last Years, a memoir written by Vejay Ramlakan, the former head of Nelson Mandela’s medical team.

This after former president Mandela’s widow, Graca Machel, threatened to sue the publisher and author over the publication last week, saying she condemned the book ‘in the strongest terms’ and that she believes it is a ‘breach of the doctor-patient relationship of confidentiality’.

Penguin Random House South Africa released the following statement today:

Penguin Random House South Africa (PRHSA) has decided to immediately withdraw the book Mandela’s Last Years from the trade, and no further copies will be issued. The publisher has done so out of respect for the late Mr Mandela’s family.

PRHSA accepted Mandela’s Last Years for publication after the author Vejay Ramlakan advised the publisher that he had been requested by Mr Mandela’s family to publish the book. The book was meant to portray Nelson Mandela’s courage and strength until the very end of his life, and was in no way intended to be disrespectful. However, given the statements from family members, we have decided to withdraw the book.

Categories Non-fiction South Africa

Tags Graça Machel Mandela's Last Years Nelson Mandela Penguin Random House SA Vejay Ramlakan