Former Nelson Mandela Foundation CEO and South African writer Achmat Dangor told Polity that former statesman Nelson Mandela always felt that he should reach out to poorer people because “the VIP’s could look after themselves”.

Dangor spoke to Polity at the book launch for Graca Machel’s brainchild I Remember Nelson Mandela at the Nelson Mandela Foundation, in Johannesburg.

Dangor is one of the contributors to the book and reflected on Mandela’s character and his memories of Mandela.

“He was very concerned about the underprivileged, the poorer, women and he was very appreciative of people who contributed to his foundation,” said Dangor.

Dangor told Polity that contributing to the book conjured difficult as well as good memories, but added that he wanted to be part of the book because he knew that the foundation would not manipulate the memories of the iconic hero.

Contributors to the book, published by Jacana Media, range from Mandela’s chef to his protection team while he was president of the country.

Attending the launch were former President Kgalema Motlanthe, Nelson Mandela Foundation CEO Sello Hatang, Mandela’s granddaughter Ndileka Mandela, Afropop legend Salif Keita and Grammy Award winners Ladysmith Black Mambazo.