Zoleka Mandela, a writer and activist and Nelson Mandela’s granddaughter, weighed in on recent remarks by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, suggesting they have echoed the big name of her grandfather to attract attention and revenue. She argued that the couple, like others before them, have used Mandela’s enduring prominence as a platform for fame and profit, a reality she says has been happening for years. Mandela added that she admires Harry for stepping away from royal duties, yet she noted the cost that comes with such a move. He or she pointed out that financing a private life in the public eye has its own pressures, and the constant use of the Mandela legacy can be exhausting. The comparison to Mandela’s own long road to freedom, spanning decades, was one aspect she highlighted as an important distinction.
In late December, Harry and Meghan released Live to Lead, a Netflix documentary project featuring leaders from around the world. The film profiles the paths of New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, U S Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, environmental advocate Greta Thunberg, and Nelson Mandela, drawing connections between leadership, resilience, and social impact. The documentary traverses scenes from Mandela’s life, including moments of his release from prison in 1990 after his 27 years of confinement. During the program, quotes attributed to Mandela are woven into the narrative, including reflections on what matters in life and the potential to transform lives, with Meghan Markle commenting on the theme of changing lives. The backing of the Nelson Mandela Foundation is noted as part of the project.