The former personal assistant to honored South African politician Nelson Mandela launched her book about her employer's life and career, covering the 19 years she worked for him. Zelda la Grange's book, "Good Morning Mr Mandela," drummed up controversy over how it portrays the former South African President's family and the situation surrounding his passing in December 2013. However, Mandela's grandson, Mandla Mandela, praised the book, stating that his grandfather "would be smiling down on" his former PA, according to Eye Witness News.
Before serving as Mandela's personal assistant, la Grange was a typist for his private secretary, Mary Mxadana, then assistant private secretary during his presidency. After Mandela left office, la Grange became his PA and served in that role for until his passing. The author's book launch was attended by several members of Mandela's family, as well as many of his closest friends, the news source reported.
Referred to often as Mandela's "right-hand" and "rock," la Grange served an important role in his late life. In 2004, when Mandela retired from public life, la Grange was interviewed, discussing her role in his life and how she had become part of his family.
"I do find it very frustrating not being in control of my own life. I would plan social events and suddenly drop everything at the 11th hour because I have to jump on a plane unexpectedly," said la Grange, according to IOL. "But now there will be much less of that because we will not be taking many invitations. I respect him a great deal and try not to be too familiar with him, even though I'm accepted as part of the family. I give him his space and do not suffocate him."
While not everyone gets to work for such a distinguished character as Nelson Mandela, personal assistant jobs in LA can be highly rewarding. Colonial Domesic Agency can help anyone interested in entering the field find the right employer to pair with, much like la Grange shared a close connection with hers.