"Head Work" by Abel Phelps: A Tale of Identity in Apartheid South Africa

Abel Phelps' "Head Work" is a compelling piece of anti-apartheid literature that explores the complexities of racial identity and survival during South Africa's apartheid era. The story revolves around Klaas Martello, a man classified as "coloured" under the apartheid system, and his desperate attempts to secure employment in a racially segregated society.

Vocabulary: Coloured - In the context of apartheid South Africa, "coloured" referred to people of mixed racial heritage, distinct from the "white," "black," or "Indian" classifications.

The narrative begins with Klaas losing his job at a jam factory after seventeen years of employment, highlighting the economic instability faced by non-white South Africans during apartheid. As Klaas struggles to find suitable work, he encounters various challenges that underscore the absurdity and cruelty of racial categorization.

Highlight: The story's title, "Head Work," is a clever play on words, referring both to the mental strain of navigating racial identity and the literal manipulation of one's appearance through wigs.

Klaas's journey takes an unexpected turn when he decides to alter his appearance to fit different racial categories in order to secure employment. This decision leads him to Gertie Meyer, his wife Sannie's stepsister, who produces wigs. Klaas's willingness to shave his head and wear wigs to appear either white or coloured demonstrates the lengths to which individuals were forced to go to survive under the apartheid system.

Example: Klaas's use of wigs to change his racial appearance illustrates how arbitrary and superficial racial classifications were under apartheid, yet how profoundly they affected people's lives and opportunities.

The story reaches its climax when Klaas secures a job at Mr. Goldman's hotel, initially presenting himself as coloured. However, in a twist of irony, Mr. Goldman introduces Klaas to his family as a white man wearing a wig to appear coloured. This scenario exposes the absurdity of racial categorizations and the complex social dynamics they created.

Quote: "Mr. Goldman introduces Klaas to his family and tells them that Klaas is white and only wears a wig."

The narrative concludes with a powerful revelation: when Klaas grows back his natural hair, everyone is shocked to discover he is actually coloured. This ending serves as a poignant commentary on the superficiality of racial classifications and the profound impact they had on individual identities and societal perceptions.

Definition: Apartheid literature refers to works written during and about the apartheid era in South Africa, often critiquing the system and exploring its effects on individuals and society.

"Head Work" stands as a significant piece of South African literature, offering insight into the lived experiences of those navigating the complex racial landscape of apartheid. It challenges readers to consider the arbitrary nature of racial categories and the resilience of individuals in the face of systemic oppression.