It probably took less than a second from the knock – a single bang – to the opening of the door and the entry of an unexpected visitor into the room.

The hosts had just finished their lunch. The unannounced visitor must have realised that he had disrupted the occupants, but there he stood – unconcerned, unfazed and somehow gigantic in his presence. The room had been invaded. The invader was a man who was to be a landmark in the lives of the military trainees, and a major milestone in the programme they had been in for almost a year. Seeing him was like a vision, or a dream in broad daylight.

From the first he was calm, charming and with a humility that contrasted with the reverence bestowed on him by his countrymen and the fear in which he was held abroad. He seemed to be approachable and accommodating – yet dignified and commanding of respect.

Andrew Mlangeni, one of the trainees, nearly jumped off his chair, but hesitated to reveal to the others how excited he was. They, too, he thought, seemed spellbound by what they had hardly expected. They all watched the invader in amazement, each suppressing his excitement in seeing the great man – Mao Tse-Tung – as their guest. Never in their dreams had they thought of getting an opportunity to meet him, let alone play host to him. None of them had thought their stay in that country, far away from their motherland, was appreciated by the highest office in the land.

‘He stood there and gazed at us. He seemed amused. We looked at each other, not knowing if we should greet him first or wait for him to initiate the gesture. Personally, I felt like a military graduate and a liberator of serious note. I felt energised and radicalised and I was ready for any kind of war,’ recalled Andrew Mlangeni.

The guest was in his trademark plain grey suit – a shirt-like jacket buttoned to the neck, with matching trousers. He was a man of about 70, but still strong. ‘He was taller than most Chinese people. He had a big face, with broad cheeks and large eyes that constantly roved around.’