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Zelda la Grange: A Life of Service to a Lasting Legacy


Full Name and Common Aliases


Zelda la Grange was born as Ntombizodwa Mxhitho in 1976. She is commonly known as Zelda la Grange, her married name.

Birth and Death Dates


Born: 1976 (exact date not publicly available)
No public record of death or passing exists.

Nationality and Profession(s)


South African
Former Personal Assistant to Nelson Mandela

Early Life and Background


Zelda la Grange's early life is marked by growing up in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. As a young woman, she faced hardships common to many living under apartheid rule. She later moved to the Western Cape where she worked as an administrative assistant.

Major Accomplishments


La Grange rose through the ranks at Nelson Mandela's office, ultimately becoming his Personal Assistant from 1996 until his passing in 2013. In this role, she was responsible for managing his private and public engagements, often accompanying him on visits to foreign countries. Her dedication earned her a close relationship with the former President.

Notable Works or Actions


While working at Mandela's office, La Grange played an instrumental part in organizing several historic events, including his 1996 visit to the United States, where he addressed Congress. She also managed his schedule and correspondence during this period.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, La Grange has shared intimate details of her time with Mandela through her book _My Time With Nelson: A Memoir_, which offers readers a glimpse into his private life.

Impact and Legacy


Zelda la Grange's work in supporting Nelson Mandela left an indelible mark on South African history. Her dedication to the former President reflects the values he embodied during his presidency – compassion, forgiveness, and equality. Through her story, she continues to inspire readers worldwide.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


La Grange is widely quoted for offering a unique perspective on Nelson Mandela's private life. In sharing her experiences working closely with him, she brings forth the human side of an icon often perceived as larger-than-life. As one of the few individuals to have witnessed and participated in key moments during his presidency, her insights offer readers a deeper understanding of this pivotal figure.

Through her writing and public appearances, Zelda la Grange continues to share her story with audiences worldwide, providing a testament to the enduring impact of Nelson Mandela's legacy.

Quotes by Zelda la Grange

To test a man’s character, give him power. Once people have power they will always reveal themselves.
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To test a man’s character, give him power. Once people have power they will always reveal themselves.
It’s not important in life what happens to you, but how you handle what happens to you.
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It’s not important in life what happens to you, but how you handle what happens to you.
Another of Madiba’s great lessons: you can have a vast difference of opinion with someone but that never justifies disrespect.
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Another of Madiba’s great lessons: you can have a vast difference of opinion with someone but that never justifies disrespect.
Be kind to every person you meet because we don’t know their battles.
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Be kind to every person you meet because we don’t know their battles.
Loyalty and dedication can’t be bought or paid to go away.
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Loyalty and dedication can’t be bought or paid to go away.
The way you approach a person will determine how that person treats you... 'People will forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.
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The way you approach a person will determine how that person treats you... 'People will forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.
Another of Madiba's great lessons: you can have a vast difference of opinion with someone but that never justifies disrespect.
"
Another of Madiba's great lessons: you can have a vast difference of opinion with someone but that never justifies disrespect.
It was irrelevant how much time you spent with Madiba. Your relationship with him depended on how you felt about him in you heart.
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It was irrelevant how much time you spent with Madiba. Your relationship with him depended on how you felt about him in you heart.
Bitterness will make you sick. During [Madiba's] imprisonment they were forced to work in the limestone quarry. Chipping away for no reason. Bitterness is the same. You reduce your own character with such a mindless exercise of cultivating bitterness.
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Bitterness will make you sick. During [Madiba's] imprisonment they were forced to work in the limestone quarry. Chipping away for no reason. Bitterness is the same. You reduce your own character with such a mindless exercise of cultivating bitterness.
[Mandela] subsequently used words that never left me: 'Because you hold a particular position, doesn't mean that you are more important that anyone else. Your time is not more valuable that anybody else's time. If you are late you show that you have no respect for another person's time and therefore no respect for other people because you consider yourself to be more important.
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[Mandela] subsequently used words that never left me: 'Because you hold a particular position, doesn't mean that you are more important that anyone else. Your time is not more valuable that anybody else's time. If you are late you show that you have no respect for another person's time and therefore no respect for other people because you consider yourself to be more important.
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