Perspective: Integrity is everything

“What would Mandela say about corruption?”

Zelda la Grange, former private secretary to Nelson Mandela who was at his side for 19 years, said during a visit to Ballito last week – more of that later – that this is the question she is asked most about the Struggle icon.

In itself it seems to me an odd choice. If I could have but one question answered about the great man, one chance to glimpse into his psyche, that appears to be such a straightforward question with such an obvious answer.

But perhaps not. It also reveals more about the emotional state of those asking the question. In these turbulent political times people are seeking reassurance, saying to themselves that surely Madiba would be turning in his grave. I love Zelda’s answer.

“Mandela isn’t here now so it would be wrong of me to put words in his mouth. Instead let me tell you a story from his life and you decide how he would feel about corruption.”

The author of Good Morning Mr Mandela went on to tell a poignant tale about a missing bar of soap in a hotel bathroom.

Also read: Zelda la Grange speaks to Ballito about Madiba’s inclusive South Africa

They were on a state visit to a Middle Eastern country and on these visits Mandela’s bathroom was always decadently filled – by his hosts – with the most luxurious products money could buy.

One night they arrived back to their rooms after an evening of diplomatic talks when Zelda was called back to Mandela’s room to find him beside himself in anger. He was insisting she summon the head of police immediately.

Bewildered, Zelda managed to calm him down and convince him that the matter could be handled internally.

The bodyguards were the only ones who had access to his room while they were out, so they were summoned and given an ultimatum. Either the missing bar of soap was replaced while Madiba slept or he would fire every single one of them in the morning – and they knew he would too! If the soap was replaced he would never mention the incident again.

When morning came the soap had returned and Madiba made no further mention of it. Zelda noticed when they left that not a single one of the toiletries had been used. Each was still in its place. It was the same at every hotel they visited. He took great care with everything he did, that was just who he was. Even luxurious toiletries were an opportunity to show his hosts that he could not be bought. Integrity was of the utmost importance.

Zelda was speaking at Katmandu restaurant last Friday at a charity breakfast in aid of the Hanna charity and development foundation, run by actress Hanna Grobler, wife to musician Bok van Blerk.

Bok and Hanna are both locals now, by the the way, along with Bobby and Annatjie van Jaarsveld. Welcome to the neighbourhood, julle!

Another key moment for me in Zelda’s talk was how she honoured Ballito resident Penny Rey. When the 18-year-old beauty was crowned the first South African Miss World back in 1958, the blonde became a household name overnight.

Sixty-one years later, Penny is still as charming and beautiful as ever. Penny was in the audience last week and when Zelda realised this she shared how as a little girl she drew pictures of Penny: “I wanted to be you when I grew up, so now it is such an honour to have you here today,” she said.

Zelda, Penny and Hanna are all incredible women in their own right who are impacting their spheres of influence to make South Africa, and indeed the world, a better place.

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