can moves to the centre of the stage, takes the middle seat at the coffee table and faces the chair in which Nelson was seated. He is holding a glass of whisky.

CAN: By now Nelson was prepared to admit to some of their misgivings. He said to me, [Nelson's voice] ‘Can Themba, my friend, we must concede that you gave us a forewarning about the rise of the Africanists within the ranks of the ANC. It is becoming clear to us now that the Africanist clique will fortify factionalism, and this is threatening the very soul of the organisation.’

I told him that the writing had always been on the wall. I went to Fort Hare with Robert Sobukwe, and I know he is a great leader. If not checked, he will be able to galvanise young people to be on the side of the Africanists. They will soon establish their own organisation, one that will give the ANC a run for its money.

[Nelson's voice] ‘You are correct, Can Themba, my friend. We find ourselves engaged in barren and fruitless quarrels amongst ourselves instead of strengthening the rank and file of the movement. And before I go, I must say that I am concerned by the fact that you seem to be drinking more and more these days.’

‘It's my birthday.’

[Nelson's voice] ‘But that's what you said last time. How many birthdays do you have in a single year?’

‘We have birthdays every week in Sophiatown.’

[Nelson's voice] ‘It looks like every day is your birthday to me. Today is Wednesday, for God's sake, and you are already drinking. Could not you wait until Friday?’

‘You, you will never understand,’ I retorted. ‘For a man of my height, alcohol takes time to circulate through the veins and reach my head. That's why I have to drink two days in advance. I am drinking today in order to get drunk on Friday. It was great having you here, Madiba. That's what they call you, right?’

[Nelson's voice] ‘Yes, that's my clan name. And I thank you for getting those young men of yours to be part of the struggle.