African Politics in the Transkei: 1963-1976

Abstract

The major problem encountered in undertaking a study of almost any underdeveloped third-world nation is that of uncovering reliable sources of information. This problem is accentuated in the case of South Africa's,Transkei. Since the Transkei is not recognized by any nation in the world except South Africa, few agencies have deemed it important to gather statistical information. The little that is available was collected and published by the South African government, a source which, can hardly be considered objective. Most works published about recent South African political events were written in the interest of advancing a particular political position, which contributes to the difficulty in obtaining reliable information. The difficulty encountered in gaining access to official documents and entrance into the country has discouraged outsiders from attempting to study the Transkei first-hand. These difficulties have affected this study primarily in terms of the lack of concrete statistical evidence, the wide discrepancies in reports of the Transkeian population, and the incomplete information on controversial subjects, such as resistance to official policy and black consciousness movement activity In an effort to utilize the most widely substantiated information, I have relied heavily upon the Carter and D. A. Kotze books, both' of which were written after extensive field research. The wide variety of terms used to describe South African policies and populations requires an explanation of terminology. The terms "homeland" and "bantustan" are used interchangeably to refer to the South African territories reserved for African occupation and development. "Blacks" and "Africans" both indicate the black populations of South Africa excluding Coloureds and Indians •. "Whites" refers collectively to Afrikaners and European South Africans. Specific use of "the government" refers to the government of South Africa, except where noted otherwise.