A Dream Realised: The Challenges and Triumphs of Building a Mandela Legacy

The stories behind the building of one of the finest paediatric facilities on the African continent told for the first time in a new book.

The Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital was a project that seemed impossible when it was merely an idea. The seed took root when 10 people sat around a table discussing the state of paediatric care in South Africa – a discussion sparked by the recent passing of a five-year-old boy. These people shared similar experiences that all pointed to the fact that devoted specialist care was needed for children.

Madiba set the challenge with a simple question: “How can there be only one dedicated hospital in the country for our children?"

This challenge provided the starting point that resulted in a global campaign that would impact the most vulnerable and often voiceless members of our society.

From a small seed taking root so began a remarkable story of a children’s hospital built in the name of one of the world’s greatest leaders. This was to be only the second children’s hospital in the country.

Now, the stories behind the building of one of the finest paediatric facilities on the African continent can be told for the first time in a new book due for release in January 2020, with a forward by Justice Yvonne Mokgoro and an introduction by Mrs Graça Machel.

The tales are personal, emotional and sometimes heart-breaking. But ultimately, they are all filled with passion and inspiration.

Today, the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital in Johannesburg is a proud testimony to a uniquely African story which honours the memory of a great statesman and celebrates the children for whom he cared so deeply.

A Dream Realised: The Challenges and Triumphs of Building a Mandela Legacy - as told to Ulrike Hill and Zanele Chakela - will be available from leading book stores from January 23, 2020.