Christo Brand, Madiba’s former prison guard and friend, is back at The Cellar-Hohenhort Hotel this Human Rights Day. He is one of several people responsible for guarding Nelson Mandela and will once again share the story of how their friendship blossomed.
The Conservatory at The Cellar-Hohenort Hotel will be hosting a six course dinner and talk at 7pm on 21 March.
Brand will regale guests with tales of how he met Mandela and give us a glimpse into the legend’s life. Brand, who was just 19 when he met Mandela, was transferred with him to Pollsmoor Prison in 1982 and that is where their bond really formed.
Brand co-authored a book with Barbara Jones, Doing Life with Mandela: My Prisoner, My Friend (2014). There will be a book signing after dinner for those who want a copy.
The menu, expertly prepared by The Conservatory’s executive chef, Paul Nash, will consist of Mandela’s favourite dishes, as well as those served during his time on Robben Island.
The six-course dinner starts off with amuse bouche and bread baked in a tin and the bite-sized hors d’oeuvre are followed by two starters: “Soft egg and Potatoes” with crispy potatoes, smoked potato, fynbos herb essence and coal dust; and “Robben Island Rock Pool” with grilled octopus, pickled calamari, black mussels and seaweed.
The main meal is a South African traditional meal of pap. “Roasted Mielie Pap Under the Stars” features roasted pap, corn purée, grilled corn and chakalaka. “Nelson’s Hidden Chicken Curry” is Malay-spiced seared chicken Ballotine, served with a curry velouté and apricot blatjang.
Dessert is a sweet treat of rum and raisin ice cream served with homemade biscuit crumble and a koeksister.
A percentage of the proceeds of this event will be donated to Sisters Incorporated, an organization that aims to help women, teenagers and children in crisis heal physically, emotionally and spiritually.
The cost of the dinner is R595 per person and excludes drinks.
To book please call 021 794 2137 or email restaurantres@cellars-hohenort.co.za
Directions to The Cellars-Hohenort Hotel
93 Brommersvlei road
Constantia
021 795 6226
