Thandiswa Mazwai on Sankofa and political currents in South Africa

The landings’ oxblood tiles with their arty off-white patterns and the maroon walls with matching leaf patterns and black tiles keep it interesting as I make my way up three flights of marble stairs. 

The only sound is my puffing — the friendly security guard at the ground floor told me the lift wasn’t working in this stately, quiet former bank building.

Composing myself (while thinking I better get stairs-fit), the door to the top floor opens before I can press the bell. Although I’m early...