Zelda la Grange

Zelda la Grange, transformed under Nelson Mandela's mentorship into a powerful advocate for racial equality, diversity, and inclusion. Her journey from Nelson Mandela's Assistant Private Secretary to a global keynote speaker encapsulates profound lessons on empathy, leadership, and change.

Book Zelda la Grange Today!

Race & Minority Ethnic

Diversity & Inclusion

Motivation

Online Motivational

Biography:

Zelda la Grange, a former private secretary to Nelson Mandela, is a best-selling author who shares her remarkable stories and experiences around the world. As a keynote speaker, Zelda inspires audiences through personal anecdotes, life lessons, and her tenure with President Mandela. Her captivating career, engaging storytelling, and genuine passion make her a highly esteemed and sought-after speaker.

Growing up in South Africa, Zelda obtained a 3-year National Diploma as an Executive Secretary. She began her career at the Department of State Expenditure as an Assistant Private Secretary. Later, she was promoted to one of President Mandela’s three Private Secretaries. Upon Mandela's retirement, he chose Zelda to continue working for him. Alongside Professor Jakes Gerwel, Zelda was one of the founding staff members of Mandela's post-Presidential Office, which established the Nelson Mandela Foundation. She served in various capacities until Mandela's passing in December 2013.

Zelda has received numerous honours for her dedication to Mandela, including the Frederik van Zyl Slabbert and Paul Harris Fellowships. She actively works with several charitable organisations and founded a non-profit supporting children in protection and foster care. She also serves on the Board of the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation, advocating for democracy and non-racialism. As an international speaker, Zelda has addressed prestigious audiences, such as Campfire 2015 by Jeff Bezos, the Council of State in the Netherlands, and the Bill Clinton Foundation. Her memoir, 'Good Morning, Mr. Mandela,' became an international bestseller and is being adapted into a film. Zelda also co-hosted a national TV talk show and co-produced an award-winning documentary on Mandela.

Today, Zelda travels globally to share her insights and hopes to inspire people to lead with love. A staunch advocate for racial equality, diversity, inclusion, and non-violence, Zelda la Grange is available for corporate and other events. For a speaker with profound experiences and lessons to share, hire Zelda la Grange today!

Book Zelda la Grange Today!

Videos:

Testimonials

"Her talk conveyed the importance of ethical leadership in practical ways as demonstrated by Nelson Mandela throughout his life. Business leadership can learn a great deal from the lessons he taught Ms La Grange and find relevance to apply these lessons in their daily private and personal lives. Her talk was entertaining and she managed to capture her audience as she reminisced by sharing anecdotes from her time with him." - Jonathan, Customer Director, Pick 'n Pay Retailers

"It was insightful and informative presentation. It also challenged us to look at how we treat others and ourselves. Her delivery was sincere, compassionate and encourage people to open-up and work together." - Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers

"I like Zelda's honesty and how she related her experiences to our role as social workers. Very educative and thought provoking." - Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers

"I thought the presentation was so interesting and pertinent that I ordered the speaker's book. It's valuable to learn how others have overcome racism. I really appreciated her honesty and vulnerability in providing us with her process in addressing her racism - its origin and her choices along her journey" - Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers

"She was phenomenal. She spoke to so many issues that are relevant in the work we do and was so personable. Great choice." - Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers

"It gives me great pleasure to recommend Ms Zelda La Grange as an author and public speaker. In addition to enjoying her book, I have had the opportunity to engage Ms La Grange on 3 occasions; twice through events that I have chaired as part of my membership of the Young President's Organisation (YPO) and once with The International Institute of Management Development (IMD) in my capacity as President of the Alumni Club of South Africa. In both instances, an international audience was present with business leaders and their spouses as well as family members, in the case of the YPO. The story told by Ms La Grange, makes for compelling listening - interspersed with anecdotes from Nelson Mandela and her learnings working alongside the most iconic statesman and leader of the 20th Century. At each event the audience was drawn into the stories and happenings conveyed by Ms La Grange and the moral lessons that are so compelling for us all. In addition, our participants were delighted to receive signed copies of Ms La Grange's book and the opportunity of a photograph with out acknowledged speaker. Ms La Grange could not have been more accommodating - I have no reservation in recommending her most highly." - Adam, Chief Executive Officer, IQ Business

Key Achievements

2023 – Board of Trustees, Ahmed Kathrada Foundation
2022 – Established the Zelda la Grange Foundation
2019 – Co-produced “A Glorious Human Achievement”, an award-winning 6-part documentary
2018 - Presented at the Bill Clinton Foundation
2018 - Delivered the 5th Annual Nelson Mandela lecture at the University of Gent
2017 - Addressed the Council of State in the Netherlands
2015 - Invited to speak at Campfire 2015
2014 – Author of “Good Morning, Mr. Mandela”
2010 - Started as a Public Speaker
1999 – Private Secretary, Executive Assistant, Spokesperson, Manager of the Founder's office
1994 – Assistant Private Secretary, Office of the President of South Africa
1992 – Department of State Expenditure, South African Government

Topics

Zelda La Grange's speaker topics are listed below:

Transformation
Diversity & Inclusion
Legacy
Powerful Partnership
Nelson Mandela

How to Hire Zelda la Grange

To book Zelda la Grange as the speaker for your corporate event, function or conference, contact The Motivational Speakers Agency on 0207 0787 876 or email us at [email protected]. Alternatively use the enquiry form below and one of our official booking agents will call you back.

Your Name*

Your Email*

Telephone*

Budget

Event Location (i.e. town or city)*

Date Required

Do you have a specific speaker in mind?

How did you hear about us?

Message*

Would you like to receive newsletters from The Motivational Speakers Agency?

The Motivational Speakers Agency would like to keep you updated by occasionally sending you newsletters that include information about exclusive free events, showcases and entertainment at venues such as The Gherkin, O2 Arena and Wembley.

CAPTCHA

Math question 3 + 3 =

Solve this simple math problem and enter the result. E.g. for 1+3, enter 4.

Please note we do not accept requests for autographs personal messages or video messages.

Back to 'Race & Minority Ethnic Speakers'