WORCESTER, 1997
In the distance, the Blue Train glides into view—a mere speck on the horizon. The gathered crowd cheers in anticipation. They are hedged in behind security gates that block their entry to the station platform, where a few guests and journalists await its arrival. Beautifully refurbished, the Blue Train is making its first trip from Pretoria to Cape Town in a newly democratic South Africa, and as it rolls slowly into Worcester station, the crowd strains against the gates, hoping to catch a glimpse of Nelson Mandela and the other dignitaries on board.
The train doors open, and after a few minutes, he appears and steps onto the platform with his companion, Graça Machel, and is guided to the small group of children gathered to welcome him. Stooping…
