{"@context":"http://iiif.io/api/presentation/3/context.json","id":"https://av.kznarchives.gov.za/iiif/st7dr2rb4b/manifest","type":"Manifest","label":{"en":["Antony Bhekani Mhlaba"]},"logo":"https://d9jk7wjtjpu5g.cloudfront.net/organizations/logo_images/000/000/237/original/kwazulu-natal-archives-logo-white-on-transparent_F.png?1676044208","metadata":[{"label":{"en":["Alternative identifier"]},"value":{"en":["KZN_ARCH_OHU_RECORDING_2025_A0000009_2025_02_24"]}},{"label":{"en":["#_Quality Control"]},"value":{"en":["2_Completed (A_Recording uploaded)","2_Completed (B_Metadata)","2_Completed (C_Index)"]}},{"label":{"en":["Headline"]},"value":{"en":["An interview with Antony Bhekani Mhlaba, a spear-maker hailing from EmaBhokseni valley situated at KwaHlabisa"]}},{"label":{"en":["Description"]},"value":{"en":["\u003cp\u003eAntony Bhekani Mhlaba provides insights into his life, explaining that he did not receive a formal education and instead engaged in cattle herding throughout his early years. He notes that, although he never attended school, he gained spear-making expertise from his father, Johnson Mahlaba. Mhlaba further elaborates on his experiences as a mine worker and the circumstances that led him to return home, where he dedicated himself to spear-making and successfully built a large clientele.\u003c/p\u003e"]}},{"label":{"en":["Summary"]},"value":{"en":["\u003cp\u003eAntony Bhekani Mhlaba is the child of the late Johnson Mhlaba and Mrs. MaHlabisa-Mhlaba, part of a family that includes six children, two of whom have sadly passed away. He shares that he did not attend school, even though there were children in his neighbourhood who did. His life experience has been primarily shaped by cattle herding and a spear-making tradition that has been passed down through the generations. Mhlaba points out that neither his grandfather, Nomaphenduka Mhlaba, nor his father were employed; they sustained their family through spear-making. Additionally, he notes that his mother was from the Hlabisa family and was the elder sister of Chief Jeremiah Hlabisa.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eMahlaba shares his journey of migrating to Mpumalanga and Johannesburg in pursuit of employment, where he worked for six years. He describes the mining job as quite daunting, particularly due to the oppressive heat. He recalls that the workers were required to wear khaki uniforms, safety boots, and carry a torch. The hardships he encountered in the mines made him recognize the critical role of education, especially since he had not attended school and had spent his youth herding cattle. He is adamant that, despite his own lack of formal education, he made it a priority for his son to attend school. He observed that employers frequently preferred literate individuals, which further underscored the importance of education in his eyes. In terms of working hours, Mahlaba states that they worked from 7 AM until noon, returning to the compounds by 1 PM. He concludes by explaining that after his contract ended, he was forced by circumstances to return home and focus on the family business.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eUpon returning home, Mhlaba chose to focus on the family business, which specialized in both spear and knobkerrie production. He explains that spear prices ranged from R300 to R400. Mhlaba often purchases metal from hardware stores, and the spear-making process involves heating the metal until it turns red, then shaping it with a hammer. He recalls having numerous customer orders, often in bulk. Additionally, he acknowledges that Steve Kotze was one of his key customers, who played a crucial role in helping him attract more clients through referrals.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eMhlaba shares that since August 2024 the business has been on hold because of his ill health. He explains that he is truly grateful for the help and care of his family, and his son Phakamani but narrates that circumstances have become increasingly difficult because he doesn’t receive a government grant. Mhlaba said that it’s no longer the same he feel much better, and the body is better it no longer tired. He also adds that the doctors at the hospital advised him to stop smoking and drinking alcohol because of the damage in his livers and they indicated that some of his veins are not working properly. He explains that even though he is sick but his not having difficulty with falling to sleep, even if he experiences some pain but it’s no longer the same. He explains that even though he is sick but his not having difficulty with falling to sleep, even if he experiences some pain but it’s no longer the same. In terms of political violence, Mhlaba said that it started upon his return, it started after the release of Mandela, he explains that a lot of people lost their lives in the period, he adds that this was a very difficult period in all areas affected. He adds that he voted on the first democratic elections, and he had been voting since then. He narrates that the problem with political parties is that they are now too many, and the same applies to churches.\u003c/p\u003e"]}},{"label":{"en":["Date"]},"value":{"en":["2025-02-24"]}},{"label":{"en":["Specific Location"]},"value":{"en":["Hlabisa"]}},{"label":{"en":["Extended Locations"]},"value":{"en":["Hlabisa - uMkhanyakude District Municipality - KwaZulu-Natal - South Africa"]}},{"label":{"en":["Duration "]},"value":{"en":["55:24"]}},{"label":{"en":["Contributors"]},"value":{"en":["Antony Bhekani Mhlaba (Interviewee)","Muziwandile Hadebe (Interviewer)","Reinhardt Hartzenberg (Field Technician)"]}},{"label":{"en":["Interviewee Information"]},"value":{"en":["Antony Bhekani Mhlaba (Name)","- (Date of Birth)","Emabhokseni valley (Location of Birth)","Zulu (Ethnicity)","Male (Gender)","Unemployed (Occupation)"]}},{"label":{"en":["Notes"]},"value":{"en":["\u003cp\u003eNoise caused by rain. \u003c/p\u003e"]}},{"label":{"en":["Provider"]},"value":{"en":["KwaZulu-Natal Department Sport Arts and Culture - KwaZulu-Natal Archives and Records Service - Oral History Unit"]}},{"label":{"en":["Repository"]},"value":{"en":["Audio-Visual Repository"]}},{"label":{"en":["Language"]},"value":{"en":["IsiZulu (Primary)"]}},{"label":{"en":["Medium"]},"value":{"en":["Born digital (digitally generated content)"]}},{"label":{"en":["Themes"]},"value":{"en":["Family Tree"]}},{"label":{"en":["Subject"]},"value":{"en":["From Rural to Urban"]}},{"label":{"en":["Genre"]},"value":{"en":["Oral Histories"]}},{"label":{"en":["Duration"]},"value":{"en":["02:46:12"]}},{"label":{"en":["Copyright Owners"]},"value":{"en":["KwaZulu-Natal Department Sport Arts and Culture (Primary)"]}}],"summary":{"en":["\u003cp\u003eAntony Bhekani Mhlaba provides insights into his life, explaining that he did not receive a formal education and instead engaged in cattle herding throughout his early years. He notes that, although he never attended school, he gained spear-making expertise from his father, Johnson Mahlaba. Mhlaba further elaborates on his experiences as a mine worker and the circumstances that led him to return home, where he dedicated himself to spear-making and successfully built a large clientele.\u003c/p\u003e"]},"provider":[{"id":"https://av.kznarchives.gov.za/aboutus","type":"Agent","label":{"en":["KZN Archives and Records Service "]},"homepage":[{"id":"https://av.kznarchives.gov.za/","type":"Text","label":{"en":["KZN Archives and Records Service "]},"format":"text/html"}],"logo":[{"id":"https://d9jk7wjtjpu5g.cloudfront.net/organizations/logo_images/000/000/237/original/kwazulu-natal-archives-logo-white-on-transparent_F.png?1676044208","type":"Image"}]}],"thumbnail":[{"id":"https://d9jk7wjtjpu5g.cloudfront.net/collection_resource_files/thumbnails/000/264/507/small/KZN_ARCH_OHU_RECORDING_2025_A0000009_2025_02_24_AntonyBhekaniMhlaba_HB_H265_W_854x480_v1.1.mp4_1740589880.jpg?1740589880","type":"Image","format":"image/jpeg"}],"items":[{"id":"https://av.kznarchives.gov.za/collections/2203/collection_resources/142871/file/264507","type":"Canvas","label":{"en":["Media File 1 of 2 - 264507_1740589927_KZN_ARCH_OHU_RECORDING_2025_A0000009_2025_02_24_Antony_Bhekani_Mhlaba_HB_H265_W_854x480_v1.1.mp4.mp4"]},"duration":3324.074,"width":640,"height":360,"thumbnail":[{"id":"https://d9jk7wjtjpu5g.cloudfront.net/collection_resource_files/thumbnails/000/264/507/small/KZN_ARCH_OHU_RECORDING_2025_A0000009_2025_02_24_AntonyBhekaniMhlaba_HB_H265_W_854x480_v1.1.mp4_1740589880.jpg?1740589880","type":"Image","format":"image/jpeg"}],"items":[{"id":"https://av.kznarchives.gov.za/collections/2203/collection_resources/142871/file/264507/content/1","type":"AnnotationPage","items":[{"id":"https://av.kznarchives.gov.za/collections/2203/collection_resources/142871/file/264507/content/1/annotation/1","type":"Annotation","motivation":"painting","body":{"id":"https://aviary-p-kzndsac.s3.wasabisys.com/collection_resource_files/resource_files/000/264/507/original/264507_1740589927_KZN_ARCH_OHU_RECORDING_2025_A0000009_2025_02_24_Antony_Bhekani_Mhlaba_HB_H265_W_854x480_v1.1.mp4.mp4?1740590412","type":"Video","format":"video/mp4","duration":3324.074,"width":640,"height":360},"target":"https://av.kznarchives.gov.za/collections/2203/collection_resources/142871/file/264507","metadata":[]}]}],"annotations":[{"id":"https://av.kznarchives.gov.za/collections/2203/collection_resources/142871/file/264507/index/88614","type":"AnnotationPage","label":{"en":["Antony Bhekani Mhlaba 03-31-2025  2:18 [Index]"]},"items":[{"id":"https://av.kznarchives.gov.za/collections/2203/collection_resources/142871/file/264507/index/88614/annotation/1","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Theme Song","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Title"]}}],"target":"https://av.kznarchives.gov.za/collections/2203/collection_resources/142871/file/264507#t=0.0,13.0"},{"id":"https://av.kznarchives.gov.za/collections/2203/collection_resources/142871/file/264507/index/88614/annotation/2","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Introduction","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Title"]}}],"target":"https://av.kznarchives.gov.za/collections/2203/collection_resources/142871/file/264507#t=14.0,78.0"},{"id":"https://av.kznarchives.gov.za/collections/2203/collection_resources/142871/file/264507/index/88614/annotation/3","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"The Oral History Unit of the Department of Sport, Art, and Culture Archives conducted an interview with Antony Bhekani Mhlaba, who resides in Hlabisa, specifically in the EmaBhokseni valley. During the interview, Mhlaba provided insights into his family background, focusing on his siblings and his only son, Phakamani. He also recounted his experiences as an immigrant working in the mines and his eventual return to his hometown. Furthermore, he discussed the tradition of spear making within his family and the impact of his illness, which has hindered his ability to conduct business as he once did. This situation has resulted in a loss of income, compounded by the fact that he does not receive a SASSA grant.","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Synopsis"]}}],"target":"https://av.kznarchives.gov.za/collections/2203/collection_resources/142871/file/264507#t=14.0,78.0"},{"id":"https://av.kznarchives.gov.za/collections/2203/collection_resources/142871/file/264507/index/88614/annotation/4","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Family History","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Title"]}}],"target":"https://av.kznarchives.gov.za/collections/2203/collection_resources/142871/file/264507#t=79.0,330.0"},{"id":"https://av.kznarchives.gov.za/collections/2203/collection_resources/142871/file/264507/index/88614/annotation/5","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"In recounting his family history, Mhlaba identifies himself as the fourth child of the late Johnson Mhlaba and Mrs. MaHlabisa-Mhlaba. He indicates that his paternal grandfather was Nomaphenduka. On the maternal side, he reveals that his mother is the elder sister of Chief Jeremiah Hlabisa. He further explains that his grandfather Nomaphenduka supported his family by selling  spears, a skill believed to have been passed down from his father, Mhlaba’s great-grandfather. He emphasizes that the tradition of spear making has continued through the family, with his father also being self-employed in this craft until his death. Despite acquiring spear-making skills from his father, Mhlaba opted to migrate to the mines for improved financial prospects.","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Synopsis"]}}],"target":"https://av.kznarchives.gov.za/collections/2203/collection_resources/142871/file/264507#t=79.0,330.0"},{"id":"https://av.kznarchives.gov.za/collections/2203/collection_resources/142871/file/264507/index/88614/annotation/6","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Family History","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Keywords"]}}],"target":"https://av.kznarchives.gov.za/collections/2203/collection_resources/142871/file/264507#t=79.0,330.0"},{"id":"https://av.kznarchives.gov.za/collections/2203/collection_resources/142871/file/264507/index/88614/annotation/7","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"The life of an immigrant","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Title"]}}],"target":"https://av.kznarchives.gov.za/collections/2203/collection_resources/142871/file/264507#t=331.0,629.0"},{"id":"https://av.kznarchives.gov.za/collections/2203/collection_resources/142871/file/264507/index/88614/annotation/8","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Mhlaba shares his journey of migrating to Mpumalanga and Johannesburg in pursuit of employment, where he worked for six years. He describes the mining job as quite daunting, particularly due to the oppressive heat. He recalls that the workers were required to wear khaki uniforms, safety boots, and carry a torch. The hardships he encountered in the mines made him recognize the critical role of education, especially since he had not attended school and had spent his youth herding cattle. He is adamant that, despite his own lack of formal education, he made it a priority for his son to attend school. He observed that employers frequently preferred literate individuals, which further underscored the importance of education in his eyes. In terms of working hours, Mhlaba states that they worked from 7 AM until noon, returning to the compounds by 1 PM. He concludes by explaining that after his contract ended, he was forced by circumstances to return home and focus on the family business.","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Synopsis"]}}],"target":"https://av.kznarchives.gov.za/collections/2203/collection_resources/142871/file/264507#t=331.0,629.0"},{"id":"https://av.kznarchives.gov.za/collections/2203/collection_resources/142871/file/264507/index/88614/annotation/9","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Immigration","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Keywords"]}},{"type":"TextualBody","value":"city life","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Keywords"]}},{"type":"TextualBody","value":"mines","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Keywords"]}},{"type":"TextualBody","value":"compound system","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Keywords"]}}],"target":"https://av.kznarchives.gov.za/collections/2203/collection_resources/142871/file/264507#t=331.0,629.0"},{"id":"https://av.kznarchives.gov.za/collections/2203/collection_resources/142871/file/264507/index/88614/annotation/10","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Family business","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Title"]}}],"target":"https://av.kznarchives.gov.za/collections/2203/collection_resources/142871/file/264507#t=630.0,1055.0"},{"id":"https://av.kznarchives.gov.za/collections/2203/collection_resources/142871/file/264507/index/88614/annotation/11","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Upon returning home, Mhlaba chose to focus on the family business, which specialized in both spear and knobkerrie production. He explains that spear prices ranged from R300 to R400. Mhlaba often purchases metal from hardware stores, and the spear-making process involves heating the metal until it turns red, then shaping it with a hammer. He recalls having numerous customer orders, often in bulk. Additionally, he acknowledges that Steve Kotze was one of his key customers, who played a crucial role in helping him attract more clients through referrals.","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Synopsis"]}}],"target":"https://av.kznarchives.gov.za/collections/2203/collection_resources/142871/file/264507#t=630.0,1055.0"},{"id":"https://av.kznarchives.gov.za/collections/2203/collection_resources/142871/file/264507/index/88614/annotation/12","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Family business","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Keywords"]}},{"type":"TextualBody","value":"hereditary","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Keywords"]}},{"type":"TextualBody","value":"rural areas","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Keywords"]}},{"type":"TextualBody","value":"booming business","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Keywords"]}},{"type":"TextualBody","value":"clients","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Keywords"]}}],"target":"https://av.kznarchives.gov.za/collections/2203/collection_resources/142871/file/264507#t=630.0,1055.0"},{"id":"https://av.kznarchives.gov.za/collections/2203/collection_resources/142871/file/264507/index/88614/annotation/13","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Life Challenges","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Title"]}}],"target":"https://av.kznarchives.gov.za/collections/2203/collection_resources/142871/file/264507#t=1056.0,1838.0"},{"id":"https://av.kznarchives.gov.za/collections/2203/collection_resources/142871/file/264507/index/88614/annotation/14","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Mhlaba recounts that his business was thriving, allowing him to support his family comfortably. However, after several successful years, he fell ill, which forced him to cease operations. In describing his illness, he recalls a disorienting experience where he became lost just a short distance from home. He found himself asleep beside a road near a forest, experiencing pain in his chest and leg. Mhlaba shares that he managed to get a ride back home, where his family informed him they had discovered his bag the previous night, only a few meters from their residence. He further explains that during a subsequent incident, he suffered a stroke that resulted in a disability affecting his left arm. This stroke occurred while he was at home, with his son Phakamani witnessing the event. Mhlaba admits he is unclear about the details surrounding the stroke, as his family only mentioned that he had fallen. Following this incident, he experienced pain in his left arm and felt completely drained, unable to rise. Subsequently, his family sought assistance from traditional healers in Emacebeni. ","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Synopsis"]}}],"target":"https://av.kznarchives.gov.za/collections/2203/collection_resources/142871/file/264507#t=1056.0,1838.0"},{"id":"https://av.kznarchives.gov.za/collections/2203/collection_resources/142871/file/264507/index/88614/annotation/15","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Life challenges","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Keywords"]}},{"type":"TextualBody","value":"illness","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Keywords"]}},{"type":"TextualBody","value":"stroke","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Keywords"]}},{"type":"TextualBody","value":"disability","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Keywords"]}},{"type":"TextualBody","value":"traditional healing","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Keywords"]}}],"target":"https://av.kznarchives.gov.za/collections/2203/collection_resources/142871/file/264507#t=1056.0,1838.0"},{"id":"https://av.kznarchives.gov.za/collections/2203/collection_resources/142871/file/264507/index/88614/annotation/16","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Life Journey ","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Title"]}}],"target":"https://av.kznarchives.gov.za/collections/2203/collection_resources/142871/file/264507#t=1838.0,3258.0"},{"id":"https://av.kznarchives.gov.za/collections/2203/collection_resources/142871/file/264507/index/88614/annotation/17","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Mhlaba indicates that his business has been suspended since August 2024 due to health complications. He expresses heartfelt appreciation for the assistance and care he has received from his family, especially his son Phakamani. Nevertheless, he highlights that his circumstances have become more difficult as he does not receive a government grant. Mhlaba states that he feels much improved now, with his body no longer experiencing fatigue. He adds that his doctors have recommended he cease smoking and drinking alcohol because of liver damage and issues with some of his veins. Although he is unwell, he does not struggle to fall asleep, even when experiencing some pain, which has diminished. On the topic of political violence, Mhlaba notes that it began upon his return after Mandela's release, leading to numerous deaths during that era. He describes this as a very challenging time for all affected communities. He has participated in every democratic election since the first one and points out that the excessive number of political parties and churches has become a concern.","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Synopsis"]}}],"target":"https://av.kznarchives.gov.za/collections/2203/collection_resources/142871/file/264507#t=1838.0,3258.0"},{"id":"https://av.kznarchives.gov.za/collections/2203/collection_resources/142871/file/264507/index/88614/annotation/18","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Life Journey","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Keywords"]}},{"type":"TextualBody","value":"gratitude","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Keywords"]}},{"type":"TextualBody","value":"family","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Keywords"]}},{"type":"TextualBody","value":"health","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Keywords"]}},{"type":"TextualBody","value":"unhealthy habits","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Keywords"]}},{"type":"TextualBody","value":"political violence","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Keywords"]}},{"type":"TextualBody","value":"democracy","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Keywords"]}}],"target":"https://av.kznarchives.gov.za/collections/2203/collection_resources/142871/file/264507#t=1838.0,3258.0"},{"id":"https://av.kznarchives.gov.za/collections/2203/collection_resources/142871/file/264507/index/88614/annotation/19","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Theme Song","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Title"]}}],"target":"https://av.kznarchives.gov.za/collections/2203/collection_resources/142871/file/264507#t=3259.0,3324.0"}]}]},{"id":"https://av.kznarchives.gov.za/collections/2203/collection_resources/142871/file/264505","type":"Canvas","label":{"en":["Media File 2 of 2 - KZN_ARCH_OHU_RECORDING_2025_A0000009_2025_02_24_Antony_Bhekani_Mhlaba_Audio_80Kbps.mp3"]},"duration":3324.08163,"width":640,"height":360,"thumbnail":[{"id":"https://d9jk7wjtjpu5g.cloudfront.net/collections/default_thumbs/000/002/203/small/Audio_logo_1000px.png?1694418531","type":"Image","format":"image/png"}],"items":[{"id":"https://av.kznarchives.gov.za/collections/2203/collection_resources/142871/file/264505/content/1","type":"AnnotationPage","items":[{"id":"https://av.kznarchives.gov.za/collections/2203/collection_resources/142871/file/264505/content/2/annotation/1","type":"Annotation","motivation":"painting","body":{"id":"https://aviary-p-kzndsac.s3.wasabisys.com/collection_resource_files/resource_files/000/264/505/original/KZN_ARCH_OHU_RECORDING_2025_A0000009_2025_02_24_Antony_Bhekani_Mhlaba_Audio_80Kbps.mp3?1740589837","type":"Audio","format":"audio/mpeg","duration":3324.08163,"width":640,"height":360},"target":"https://av.kznarchives.gov.za/collections/2203/collection_resources/142871/file/264505","metadata":[]}]}],"annotations":[]}]}