"President Nelson Mandela’s choice of the young Afrikaner typist Zelda la Grange as his most trusted aide embodied his commitment to reconciliation in South Africa. She repaid his trust with loyalty and integrity. I have the highest regard for her." - Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu
"Zelda la Grange has a singular perspective on Nelson Mandela, having served as his longtime personal aide, confidante and close friend. She is a dear friend to both of us and a touchstone to all of us who loved Madiba. Her story of their journey together demonstrates how a man who transformed an entire nation also had the power to transform the life of one extraordinary woman." - Morgan Freeman
Zelda la Grange is best known for serving the legendary former South African President Nelson Mandela as his Assistant Private Secretary. Unequivocally championing the fight against racism, having been born in apartheid South Africa, Zelda has delivered the TEDx Talk “Walking the Walk: Standing Up Against Racism”. A seasoned speaker, with an important message to disseminate, Zelda is available to book as a speaker for a wide range of events.
Author of the international bestseller “Good Morning, Mr. Mandela”, Zelda chronicles how her deep-rooted belief in segregation as a young woman was transformed completely once she made her acquaintance with Nelson Mandela. After serving as his Private Secretary, Zelda was requested to continue as Mr. Mandela’s post-presidential secretary as well, responsible for Managing the Founder’s Office at the Nelson Mandela Foundation. Zelda managed his role for nearly 15 years, until Mr. Mandela’s passing in 2013.
Since then, Zelda has delved into public speaking. Her motivational addresses stem from her unique life experiences, serving as a great source of inspiration to people all around the world. In her 20 years of service to Nelson Mandela, Zelda learned some valuable lessons on leadership which she implements in her role as Founder of the Zelda la Grange Foundation, which was established in 2022. The Foundation seeks to support children in foster care so that they can achieve their goals. She is also on the Board of Trustees for the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation since 2023.
Apart from public speaking, Zelda has also devoted her time to co-producing “A Glorious Human Achievement” – an award-winning documentary about Nelson Mandela. Today, Zelda travels all around the globe to share her stories and knowledge, in the hope that she can inspire people to lead with love. A strong advocate for racial equality, diversity & inclusion and non-violence, Zelda la Grange is now available to hire for corporate and other events. If you are looking for a speaker with experiences people can learn from, Zelda la Grange is an excellent choice to hire.
How to hire Zelda la Grange
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Zelda la Grange for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
- 2023 – Board of Trustees, Ahmed Kathrada Foundation
- 2022 – Established the Zelda la Grange Foundation
- 2018 – Co-produced “A Glorious Human Achievement”, an award-winning 6-part documentary
- 2014 – Author of “Good Morning, Mr. Mandela”
- 1999 – Manager of the Founder’s Office, Nelson Mandela Foundation
- 1994 – Assistant Private Secretary, Office of the President of South Africa
- 1992 – Department of State Expenditure, South African Government
