can brings another seat to add to the two seats at the coffee table, placing it at the centre of the stage and facing the audience. He takes out two bottles of liquor (whisky and brandy) and glasses from the kist and places them on the coffee table. He takes the middle seat after pouring a glass.

CAN: Talking about politics, the other day two well-known politicians from the ANC tried to recruit me into the organisation. One was a tall fellow with his hair parted in the middle, and he spoke in a heavy Xhosa accent. I knew him from the debates we used to have at Fort Hare. He used to be a regular visitor at Fort Hare when they were trying to open a branch of the ANC Youth League in Alice. He towered over his companion like a mountain over mites in the valley.

The other one was a bit older, light-complexioned and wore round glasses. The short one spoke first, introducing himself as Walter, and his fellow party man as Nelson. I offered them seats, which they duly took with the decorum of Roman senators.

‘What would be your poison of choice, gentlemen, whisky or wine?’ I asked.

They declined simultaneously, saying they don't drink. In the House of Truth? That's unacceptable! Hosting teetotallers has the potential to corrupt my morals. That's a serious threat to my dignity.

The tall one spoke like he was in court. [Nelson's voice] ‘Eh, first of all, Mister Themba–’

‘Wow, wow, wow! Hold it right there. My name is Can. Don't ever call me Mister.’

[Nelson's voice] ‘Oh, I see! You mean “can” as in a tin?’ he asked.

‘No, no, I cannot be contained in a tin. It's Can, short for Canadoce. My mother named me Daniel Canadoce Themba. Can Themba for short.’

[Nelson's voice] ‘Ha, thank you, Can Themba, my friend. We know that you are not a member, but this fight is for Africans. We want everyone to be involved in the struggle, nice-time boys, tsotsis, teachers, newspapermen, lawyers, doctors, all! The ANC is a home to all African people. This is where a man of your intellect belongs, Can Themba, my friend.’