This week’s poddie takes us behind the security detail and beyond the history books as Rory Steyn shares what it was really like spending time with Nelson Mandela.
Johannesburg, South Africa (07 October 2026) – There are very few people who can tell you what Nelson Mandela was like when the cameras were gone, the speeches were finished and he was just “Madiba”.
Rory Steyn is one of those people.
On this week’s “Good Things with Brent Lindeque“, I got to sit down with Rory, whose extraordinary career took him from serving in the police during Apartheid to becoming the leader of President Nelson Mandela’s personal protection team. Appointed in January 1996, Rory was responsible for Madiba’s protection both in South Africa and around the world, placing him alongside one of history’s most important leaders during a defining chapter for our country.
We speak about Madiba, about the time Rory spent with him, the moments most South Africans never got to see and what it was like being so close to a man carrying the hopes of a new democracy. Rory shares stories from behind the scenes but also the lessons he took from Mandela about leadership, reconciliation, humanity and purpose. His own story did not end there either. Rory went on to become a globally respected figure in major-event security, working across multiple ICC Cricket World Cups and six Olympic Games, while his love of endurance sport has seen him complete 12 Comrades Marathons, an Ironman and marathons on all seven continents.
We also speak about African Icons, one of the most meaningful chapters of his story. Rory founded it in 2018. The charity cycling event supports children of police officers who have been killed in the line of duty, turning his years of service, sport and experience into something that continues to help families today.
There is history in this poddie but there is also heart.
Watch or listen to my full conversation with Rory Steyn on this week’s “Good Things with Brent Lindeque” below.
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