Beyond Madiba: We interview Zelda la Grange on legacy, purpose (and earning a living)
As Nelson Mandela’s longtime aide, La Grange spent years behind the scenes. Now she tells The Money Show’s Stephen Grootes how she’s built a meaningful career beyond his legacy.
The Money Show's Stephen Grootes speaks to Zelda la Grange, author and former private secretary to Nelson Mandela.
Listen below:
As the former private secretary to Nelson Mandela, Zelda la Grange has spent over two decades in the public eye.
As Madiba's 'right-hand woman', she travelled the world with the former president and continued working with him up until his passing in 2013.
Since his death, La Grange has carved out a new path as an author and public speaker.
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"Six months after Madiba's passing, I published my book Good Morning Mr Mandela, and I've been on the speaking circuit since 2010."
- Zelda la Grange
La Grange says that after Madiba's passing, her speaking career became her main focus.
"... you have to reinvent yourself the whole time... as a public speaker, there's always a need for something new, and a new angle."
- Zelda la Grange
La Grange's new angle came last year in the form of her second book, 'What Mandela Taught Me'.
"Hopefully, making the lessons I've learned from him more relevant."
- Zelda la Grange
But La Grange admits that remaining relevant (and in demand) after such a high-profile and demanding career isn't easy.
"I'm also at the age now where no one will employ me."
- Zelda la Grange
These days, she says her focus is on finding purpose in life.
"I do so through a combination of my charitable work. I'm a trustee of the Kathrada Foundation. I help with the 67 Blankets for Mandela Day... all that adds up, and I find sometimes that I'm busier than ever."
- Zelda la Grange
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.