For years, Christo Brand guarded Nelson Mandela in a South African prison.

The two were supposed to be enemies.

But now, Brand is sharing the story of how he risked everything to help Mandela in prison.

An unlikely friendship developed. It's a friendship that spanned a lifetime.
 
"When he became the president, I was thinking, no, he will forget about me," Brand said. "But he was the one who held me close and put his arm around me and told the media and the people out there that I'm the most important person in his life. I could not believe that."
 
Brand also never imagined sharing his story at Shorecrest Preparatory School in St. Petersburg. He spoke to hundreds of students who weren't even alive when Mandela was imprisoned. But it was these youngsters who encouraged Brand to come.
 
"I thought it was just amazing that he was President Nelson Mandela's prison guard and they ended up becoming friends," said 13-year-old Eric Jacobson. "I was pretty amazed by it."
 
Eric Jacobson and his family first met Brand while they were visiting South Africa this summer. They were so impressed that they arranged for the visit to Bay area schools.

Mandela and Christo Brand formed an unlikely bond and embarked on a friendship that lasted until Mandela's death in 2013. (Photo courtesy Christo Brand)

"I just want them to see the message about how friendship is key and that no matter what you look like or what you act like that anybody can get along," said Eric Jacobson.
 
"The stuff that he risked and all the things that he did even though he was risking his job and his livelihood, it's really incredible," said 16-year-old Jordan Jacobson.
 
Brand has written a book, something he said Mandela strongly encouraged him to do. Through the school visits, the former prison guard hopes to inspire others, like Mandela inspired him.
 
Brand is visiting several schools around the Bay area this week.

His book is called Mandela: My Prisoner, My Friend.