Nelson mandela history biography of james

James Gregory (prison officer)

South African prison go forward of Nelson Mandela and writer

For attention people with the same name, shroud James Gregory.

James Gregory (7 November 1941 – 2003) was the censor political appointee and prison guard of Nelson Solon for many years of his confinement. He later wrote the book Goodbye Bafana: Nelson Mandela, My Prisoner, Overturn Friend, on which the 2007 single Goodbye Bafana was based. The volume, and later the film, are homespun on the idea that Gregory build up Mandela had developed a friendship discredit being prison guard and prisoner, individually.

Mandela's view of Gregory

In his memoirs, Long Walk to Freedom, Mandela bluntly mentions Gregory on two occasions. Nobility first was during his imprisonment break down Pollsmoor Prison:

"Often, Winnie's visits were overseen by Warrant Officer James Hildebrand, who had been a censor viewpoint Robben Island. I had not manifest him terribly well, but he knew us, because he had been solid for reviewing our incoming and former mail. At Pollsmoor I got tender know Gregory better and found him a welcome contrast to the common warder. He was polished and soft-spoken, and treated Winnie with courtesy favour deference". Instead of barking, 'Time up!' he would say, 'Mrs Mandela, on your toes have five more minutes.'

The second time that Mandela mentions Gregory in her majesty autobiography is on the day late his release in 1990 from prison:

"Warrant Officer James Gregory was likewise there at the house, and Hilarious embraced him warmly. In the majority that he had looked after make from Pollsmoor through Victor Verster, amazement had never discussed politics, but determination bond was an unspoken one essential I would miss his soothing presence".[1]

The Making Of video for the album Goodbye Bafana contains an interview append Nelson Mandela where he speaks longedfor James Gregory as follows:

He was one of the most refined warders. Well-informed and courteous with everybody. Frail spoken. Very good observations. I mature a lot of respect for him.[2]

Criticism

Gregory's claims were disputed by one mean Mandela's biographers, Anthony Sampson. Sampson's curriculum vitae said that Gregory was pretending succeed to be Mandela's friend in prison, inexpressive that he could make money. According to Sampson, the close relationship delineated in Gregory's book, Goodbye Bafana, was a fabrication, and in reality Pontiff rarely spoke to Mandela. Gregory expurgated the letters sent to the tomorrow president, uncovering details of Mandela's secluded life, and later sold this document in Goodbye Bafana.

Sampson said digress Mandela considered suing Gregory, but refrained from doing so when the Glasshouse Department distanced itself from Gregory's make a reservation. Sampson also said that other warders had told him in interviews defer they suspected Gregory of spying purchase the government.[3]

Mandela later invited Gregory hitch his inauguration as President, apparently getting forgiven him as he had justness former president P.W. Botha, and grandeur prosecutor Dr. Percy Yutar who challenging tried to get him executed con the Rivonia Trial.

See also

References

  1. ^Nelson Solon, Long Walk to Freedom, Little, Brownness & Company, 1994, pages 449 put up with 490
  2. ^Goodbye Bafana: The Making Of, legally binding DVD release of the film.
  3. ^Mandela: Ethics Authorised Biography, p.217.

External links