Going to the Mountain ― Life Lessons from My Grandfather, Nelson Mandela

The first-ever book to tell Nelson Mandela's life through the eyes of a child who was raised by him, chronicling Ndaba Mandela's life living with, and learning from, one of the greatest leaders and humanitarians the world has ever known.

In a story that has never been told, Going to the Mountain tells the tale of how Nelson Mandela steered his grandson Ndaba from his reckless youth (shirking school, fighting in gangs) to his maturation into a fully realized and principled adulthood--all as an often-single parent in his years after political imprisonment and through his landmark presidency of South Africa. On a scale both intimate and epic, the book will detail the gripping arc of Ndaba's own extraordinary journey, which mirrors that of South Africa's, from the segregated Soweto ghettos into which he was born, to the presidential mansion in which he grew up, and the challenged times in which he lives now.

Embedded deeply throughout are the rich tribal wisdom and folktales of Nelson Mandela's Xhosa tribe, which he adored sharing with his grandson--and which influenced both men throughout their lives and helped change the world. Going to the Mountain vividly illustrates the important life lessons Nelson taught his grandson about freedom, forgiveness, leadership, education and self-discipline, strength of body and spirit, integrity and responsibility, respect for oneself and others, resistance in the right ways, times and places, passion for life and purpose, and peace. As readers will learn, Nelson was proudly Xhosa--and its stories fuel so much of his life's work. Indeed, the title of the book is taken from the Xhosa word, Ulwaluko ("Going to the Mountain"), an ancient Xhosa coming-of-age rite, which Nelson himself once endured and through which he (standing in place of Ndaba's father, who was dying of HIV-AIDS) proudly shepherds his grandson.

For years, people have asked Ndaba to write his remarkable story in a book--including, significantly, many of his prominent supporters. Now, with the approach of Nelson Mandela's 100th birthday in July 2018, and global momentum building around the occasion and his foundation's efforts, Ndaba is being embraced by an extraordinary network of supporters--and he feels ready. This is the time.

It is, at day's end, a message of unlocking the power within each of us--the cautionary tale of a life that could go one way or the other, depending upon the intervention of a caring soul; and the ability, and awesome power, of an individual life to serve as a catalyst for change.

Nelson Mandela's legacy lives on as his grandson, Ndaba Mandela, continues to keep its beacon of hope bright, fueling its fiery message that one person can make a difference. Ndaba was recently named one of the "28 Men of Change" by BET and is showing the world, through his actions and orations, that Nelson Mandela's voice and message of freedom still rings true. Currently, Ndaba is organizing the 95^thcelebration of Nelson Mandela Day and was also instrumental in creating the International Day of Happiness at the United Nations. Ndaba Mandela entertains and inspires audiences with tales only he can tell.

With pride and presence, Ndaba speaks passionately about Africa, its people and its future, actively encouraging corporations looking to get in on the ground floor of a steadily rising nation, embracing its vast potential and natural resources. Ndaba is the co-founder and co-chairman of the Africa Rising Foundation, an organization dedicated to promoting a positive image of Africa around the world and to increasing its potential for growth in the areas of education, employment and international corporate alliances for profit and partnership. Ndaba also serves as an executive director for UN AIDS, which seeks to end discrimination around HIV/AIDS, reaching millions through the power of football. With his one-of-a-kind perspective and dynamic speaking style, Ndaba remains true to his inspiring grandfather's message.