Durban - After serving the world’s most revered man for 19 years, Zelda la Grange branched off into motivational speaking, writing her best-selling book ‘Good morning, Mr Mandela’ and now, quite possibly, producing. The book has been picked up by Maven Pictures for a film adaptation and will be produced by Jacqui Lewis. IOL’s Lauren Daniels found la Grange warm and inviting as they chatted about what lies ahead.
How do you feel about handing over the reigns when it comes to the production of the movie?
I have to acknowledge and admit that I am not an expert when it comes to film but I am so keen and passionate about my story. The production will be up to the experts.
Would you like some of the scenes to be filmed in Qunu?
Qunu is one of my favourite places. I would love the movie to have a strong South African influence. The last part of the book is filmed in Qunu.
People know you as Mr Mandela’s assistant; do you believe your role was more than that?
I started in 1994 as a typist. My role often stretched into being a protocol officer, spokesperson, etc. Money never meant a lot to me. To me it was about the privilege I had to serve Mr Mandela for so many years and I was happy to serve him for all those years of my life.
Who do you feel would be best suited for the roles of yourself and Mr Mandela?
I wish I was more ‘conceited’ when it came to that but to me; my only requirement is that the person who portrays me carries over my emotions and sticks true to the story. For Mr Mandela, I would love to see Morgan Freeman in this role. He is one of my favourite people and I know he would do the role justice. Ultimately, it will up to the directors. I have no objections really, unless it is an ethical one. I have faith in the casting directors.
How do you feel about the book being picked up as a movie?
It is quite an exciting time. After 19 years, I didn’t expect this kind of success. I feel like I have succeeded. It feels surreal.
Do you have any reservations about possible changes to the movie?
As per the contract, I am very passionate about there being no changes to the movie and no sensation. The story will remain as it is.
In the book you mentioned Mr Mandela often making use of idioms. What are one or two of your favourite things he would say?
Mr Mandela always told a story about a young man who travelled the world; he always longed to meet the woman of his dreams. Upon returning home from a holiday, the young man met the neighbour’s daughter whom he fell in love with.
The moral of the story is that we often look for things to make us happy when it is the simple things, so close to our heart, that will reveal that happiness.
He also always spoke about integrity and character saying: “All people will never be happy with everything you do so it is important that you are happy in your heart.”
Are theremore books in the pipeline?
They say ‘never say never’ but I am so busy, and with the reorganisation of my life, not at the moment.
What are your plans for the future?
Although I would love to settle down and be a ‘house-hen’, I am promoting the book worldwide so that is keeping me quite busy, and also I would like to be involved in the production of the movie.
As a young journalist, I found that La Grange, in all her success, was an absolute pleasure to interview. It is with the same heart and passion that she penned her experiences and stories of one of the greatest men who walked the earth.
Adapting that best-selling book into a movie seems to be the beginning of even bigger things for la Grange.
IOL
* Use IOL’s Facebook and Twitter pages to comment on our stories. See links below