‘What do you want to know? You’ve seen the website. We campaign for land reform, not the kind that people like Willemse want. We oppose foreign ownership, we oppose our own corporations squeezing out the people who actually live on the land, and we find lawyers to defend people forced off what they thought was their land. Last time I looked, it didn’t say anything about murdering people.’

‘For God’s sake! It’s not me who’s accusing you. I’m just trying to get my head around what Willemse was getting at.’

‘I told you. He’s trying to frighten me and people like me.’

Lindi took a deep breath. ‘We’re not really getting anywhere, are we? It’s me. I still haven’t recovered from the flight. All right, what were you doing with Lesedi?’

‘He was interested in some of the work I’m doing in Malelane and he came to see me.’

‘And what’s all this about your making a turnaround?’

‘It’s a long story. First things first: let’s get something to drink. I think we should take up Josiah Motlantshe’s offer and have some of his refreshments,’ said Kagiso.

‘I thought we might go back into town. I’ve got an appointment at Wits later. Anyway, it looks pretty hectic in there. Have you got time?’

‘Not really. I’ve got a lift back to Malelane later this afternoon, and a couple of things I have to sort out before that. Look, you wait here and I’ll go and get us some tea or something.’

‘It could take you a while,’ she said.

‘Watch me! Just head for the shade where all those drivers are standing around and I’ll come and find you. I’ll be back now-now,’ he said, the old familiarity returning, a sweet memory reawakened.

Lindi watched him as he walked away. He had an easy, loping gait. He approached the uniformed marshal who was controlling the flow of people into the entrance of the massive canvas marquee. He was a good twenty metres or so from where she was but even from that distance she could sense how comfortable he was around these people, and they with him. The marshal took Kagiso by the hand towards the front of the queue. Kagiso said something to the people there, turning to look at her. They all laughed and let him in.

Once Kagiso was inside they reverted to their earlier demeanour, the nervous look of those who stand in line – fearing that nothing will be left when they get to the front. Their apprehension was not helped by the sight of those who emerged from the exit at the other side of the marquee. Lindi saw them falling about with laughter, their cheeks bulging with food, cradling an assortment of cakes, buns and cans of fizzy drinks in their arms.