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True stories of ordinary people and the extraordinary events that have shaped their lives

True stories of ordinary people and the extraordinary events that have shaped their lives.

Outlook: I was Mandela's Human Shield

Rory Steyn with Nelson Mandela

10/12/2013

I was Mandela's Human Shield

BBC World Service - Outlook, I was Mandela's Human Shield

The former special branch officer who became the president's bodyguard

Rory Steyn, the former South African special branch officer who went on to become Mandela's bodyguard speaks to Matthew Bannister.

Rory Steyn a former officer in South Africa's notorious special branch on how he turned his back on his apartheid upbringing to become Nelson Mandela's trusted bodyguard.  

John Kani reads from Nelson Mandela's autobiography Long Walk To Freedom: this extract covers his involvement with the ANC and meeting Winnie. 

In his new film British actor Idris Elba plays Mandela at many stages of his life; he describes how he perfected his changing accent and his walk.  

Frenchwoman Mandela Gaye Verdeau and Mandela James from the Caribbean describe the influence their name has had on them. 

Picture:  Bodyguard Rory Steyn (left) at work proptecting Nelson Mandela

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