MANDELA'S LAST PRISON GUARD, fourteen months at Victor Verster

116pp., illus., paperback, Blue Ear Books, Seattle, 2026

ISBN: 9798991537858

Foreword by Verne Harris, Executive Consultant to the Nelson Mandela Foundation

Jack Swart writes about his personally transformative experience as Nelson Mandela’s personal prison guard at the cottage on the grounds of Victor Verster prison, where Mandela spent his last fourteen months under house arrest, from December 1988 until his release on 11 February 1990.

Jack Swart served in South Africa's Department of Correctional Services from 1965 to 1996, working at Robben Island, Pollsmoor and Victor Verster prisons. After Mandela's release, he was invited to Mandela's presidential inauguration, 80th birthday celebration, and funeral. Later, he also conducted tours of the house for the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

Andrew Russell is owner and managing director of Cape Africa Tours, and the author of The Leadership We Need, lessons for today from Nelson Mandela.