IT'S a beautiful day in Cape Town but Albie Sachs hardly seems to notice the crash of the waves or the cry of the gulls as he sits in the lounge of his beach bungalow.
In his mind he's thousands of kilometres away, in New York.
He's telling us about the surprising night in 2018 when he was having coffee with US Supreme Court judge Sonia Sotomayor at her apartment and, next thing, in walked Amal and George Clooney.
When Sonia had extended the invitation to the anti-apartheid hero and his wife, Vanessa September, she said they'd be joined by one of her former law clerks and her husband who were keen to meet him.
Albie thought nothing of it. After all, pivotal moments of his life have become a thing of legend. He survived a car bomb in 1988 set by SA security agents, which robbed him of his right arm and the sight in his left eye. He then went on to become one of the chief architects of the democratic constitution before serving as one of the first judges in the Constitutional Court.
Strangers often want to meet him, but on this occasion Albie almost fell off his chair when the Clooneys walked in.
For most people it would be George, the Hollywood superstar, who would be the source of fascination - but it was Amal, a respected human rights lawyer, whom Albie found most intriguing.
"Amal is very striking in appearance, she has a strong personality and is a vivid talker, Albie (87) recalls as he chats to us at his Clifton home. "George joined in a lot. It was just baie gesellig (very convivial) - nice people, easy conversation."
This story is from the 16 June 2022 edition of YOU South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the 16 June 2022 edition of YOU South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
HE'S GOT THE LOOK!
His startled expression has turned Russian cat Fedya into an internet sensation
ROYALS AT WORK
Here’s a look at the dwindling family members who make up Charles’ right-hand team
IT'S MY HAPPY COLOUR
The woman known as the Green Lady just can’t get enough of her favourite shade
IT'S MY TIME TO SHINE
After years of slogging in Hollywood, Colman Domingo is revelling in the glory his role in Rustin has brought him
IRON LUNG, IRON WILL
HIS life changed forever one summer day in 1952. Paul Alexander was six years old and cooling off in light rain outside his family home when his head and neck began to hurt.
WHY DID HE DO THIS TO OUR GIRLS?
A trusted figure in their community was found guilty of murdering their daughthers, but the two devastated families are still struggling to find closure
HE HIJACKED MY LIFE
Abby Furness’ world was turned upside down when a stranger began impersonating her online, sending explicit messages to colleagues and friends.
5 MINUTE FIXES
Don’t have much time to exercise? No problem! These super-quick workouts mean you can improve your fitness, strength and posture in the time it takes to make a cup of tea
THE JOY OF SELENA
After years of illness and mental health problems the Disney darling is finally in a really good place COMPILED
TAKE THAT CROCODILE!
When Anthony was attacked in a dam on a weekend break, his fearless family and friends had no intention of losing him to the bloodthirsty beast