Mdukatshani - Fifty Years of Beading

The first taxis on Msinga roads were dilapidated vehicles retrieved from scrapheaps with broken windows patched with tape. Although taxis have become smarter with time, one thing that has not changed is the use of passenger space on the roof. Sometimes the passengers have to share space with the load, like this wedding kist. Sometimes they choose to sit on the roof, or hang from the back doors, testing the joys of transport.

THE FIRST TEN YEARS AT MDUKATSHANI

Change came imperceptibly, although we hardly took note at the time. There were too many conflicts in too many directions, some affecting the men in the cities, others much closer to home. Early in 1964 a special riot unit was based in the district, and in June the Minister of Police, Louis le Grange, flew in on a helicopter inspection of

the valley. He was accompanied by the Judge President of Natal, Mr. Justice Milne, the Attorney General, Mike Imber, and other high-ranking government officials. Had the riot unit made a difference? “We are proud that we have gone through two long weekends without a fight,” said the commanding officer, Captain “Wessie”

van der Westhuizen, showing off a collection of confiscated weapons that included automatic rifles, a hand held rocket launcher, and a sum- machine gun. He was honest about the prospects of peace. If the unit were withdrawn, the fighting would resume in a month, he said. And he was right. The fights would sputter on for years.

Hlekelaphi Dladla (left) was married to the first taxi owner near Mdukatshani, Khuzeni Zwane. An enterprising pioneer in a new industry, he initially had the roads to himself, running taxis from Msinga to Johannesburg. When he died of malaria in 1989 following a trip to Malawi, beadwork continued to sustain his wives, Hlekelaphi and Qengukile. Here Hlekelaphi sits with Bangisile Sithole putting the finishing touches to an order before handing in the work.

The arrival of taxis made the end of isicholos inevitable. Drivers complained they took up too much space in a crowded vehicle and left smears of ochre on the roof. Head scarves became compulsory and were soon being worn every day. Phumelele Mbatha was one of the last women to give up traditional dress.

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Mdukatshani – Fifty Years of Beading