logo
episode-header-image
Sep 2022
17m 20s

Why were Nelson Mandela and the Queen su...

Bbc World Service
About this episode

Later today world leaders will gather at Westminster Abbey in London for the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, who died peacefully on Thursday the 8th of September.

Last week on this podcast, Alan held robust discussions with different guests and interrogated the queen’s legacy in Africa. He also heard – in passing – about the very special relationship she shared with the former South African president Nelson Mandela. Queen Elizabeth visited South Africa in 1995, a year after independence.

So we thought it would be appropriate, today, to hear more about their friendship.

Mpho Lakaje speaks with two key people from President Mandela’s close circle, his chief bodyguard Rory Steyn and his personal assistant Zelda Le Gange, and gets their memories of the times the Queen met Madiba.

Up next
Oct 3
Focus on Africa: Can Botswana continue to depend on its diamond industry?
In an exclusive interview with the BBC's Waihiga Mwaura, Botswana's President Duma Boko, outlines his plan to reduce his country's reliance on the diamond industry amid falling global demand, and how he is pushing for a 0% tariff deal with the US.Guinea is showing signs of econom ... Show More
27m 30s
Sep 12
Focus on Africa: Who is Uganda's Joseph Kony?
The International Criminal Court concludes hearings into war crime charges against the Ugandan rebel leader Joseph Kony and will decide whether he should face trial. But who is Joseph Kony and what are the charges against him? How some South African schools are fighting childhood ... Show More
35m 33s
Sep 9
Focus on Africa: Ethiopia opens huge dam despite outside opposition
Ethiopia opens Africa's largest hydroelectric dam on the Blue Nile river deepening a rift with Egypt and Sudan.Authorities in the US have arrested two suspected leaders of the Cameroon separatists' military wing. We find out more about the charges against the two men, and why Cam ... Show More
31m 49s
Recommended Episodes
Dec 2023
The funeral of Nelson Mandela
On 15 December 2013, South Africa held the funeral of Nelson Mandela who led the struggle in defeating apartheid and became the country’s first black president. His ancestral home in the village of Qunu in South Africa’s Eastern Cape hosted 60 world leaders including four United ... Show More
15m 32s
Oct 2020
Nelson Mandela
From November 27, 2000: In what she considers an interview of a lifetime, Oprah talks with philanthropist, revolutionist and former president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela. In this memorable Oprah Showinterview, Nelson Mandela opens up about his struggles, including the 27 year ... Show More
37m 43s
Sep 2022
Can the U.K. Remain United Without the Queen?
The funeral of Queen Elizabeth today will be one of the most extraordinary public spectacles of the last several decades in Britain, accompanied by an outpouring of sadness, reverence and respect.But the end of the queen’s 70-year reign has also prompted long-delayed conversation ... Show More
35m 18s
Sep 2022
Queen Elizabeth II: Reflecting on the State Funeral
The state funeral has been held for Queen Elizabeth II, as hundreds of thousands of people lined the streets of Westminster and Windsor, along with billions around the world, to watch and say goodbye.Fergal Keane, who was commentating for BBC TV inside Westminster Abbey, and Katt ... Show More
35m 25s
Sep 2022
World leaders gather ahead of Queen Elizabeth's state funeral
One of the largest gatherings of global leaders for decades has been taking place at Buckingham Palace, ahead of Monday's funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. A minute's silence has been held across the UK in memory of the late monarch and final preparations are under way for her state ... Show More
48m 31s
Sep 2022
Queen Elizabeth II dies at 96
Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II has died at the age of 96, bringing a close to her reign that spanned seven decades. Her eldest son, Charles, immediately became King of the United Kingdom. CNN Royal Historian Kate Williams joins AC360 to discuss the life and legacy of Her Majesty. P ... Show More
1h 30m
Jun 2023
Winnie Mandela: South Africa's "Mother of the Nation"
Winnie Mandela was hailed as an anti-apartheid hero and reviled as a corrupt child killer. In hindsight, can she be both? If she had never married Nelson Mandela would we even have heard of her? Yes, most likely. Listen to the first episode of season 6 where we dive into the live ... Show More
48m 26s
Sep 2022
Queen Elizabeth II: What happens between now and the funeral?
The Queen's state funeral will be on Monday 19 September.On this special Newscast Adam chats to the BBC's Special Correspondent, Jim Naughtie, and Royal Historian, Dr Tessa Dunlop, about the Queen's funeral and the King's proclamation ceremony. We also hear how William, Kate, Meg ... Show More
24m 9s
May 2024
South African elections: Why Nelson Mandela's party could lose its dominance
It's been 30 years since Nelson Mandela led the African National Congress (ANC) to power, ending apartheid in South Africa.       But as voters head to the polls, the party is on the verge of losing dominance, after coming under fire over corruption, high levels of crime and econ ... Show More
20m 56s
Sep 2022
Queues Update
Security and diplomacy challenges for the Queen’s funeral as mourners queue for hours.Bob Broadhurst, who was the Met Police commander in charge of both Prince William and Catherine’s wedding and the London 2012 Olympics, talks us through the security risks and how protesters wil ... Show More
35m 23s