The outward journey was painless: London to East London via Johannesburg is the quickest route the airline gods allow to that part of the Eastern Cape.

ECONOMIST: Business travel

If you must take your own gear, pay to check it on the outward journey, then hook up with a local good cause via www.stuffyourrucksack.com and donate items to schools and orphanages on the ground rather than bringing them home.

BBC: A guide to travelling with only carry-on luggage

There is nothing controversial about the outward leg of the journey, but their desire to march back into town along the Garvaghy Road brings them into conflict with the authorities.

BBC: Time for change?