uZimele waseTRANSKEI
Transkei, Umtata · 1976-10-26
Official first day cover (FDC) · South African philately
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This cover is postmarked on 26 October 1976 in Umtata, marking the independence of the Republic of Transkei. It carries the Transkei independence set, SAPO [number to confirm], four stamps depicting Chief Minister Kaiser Matanzima, the new national flag, a further Matanzima portrait stamp and the national coat of arms. Transkei's parliament, established on this day, took an unusual bicameral-like structure combining 75 traditional chiefs sitting ex officio with 75 elected representatives, a system designed to bridge customary and modern governance. The territory's roots as an administrative unit stretch back to 1903, when thirteen separate district councils first amalgamated into the Transkeian Territories General Council.
Description of the Cachet
The cachet is a gold embossed coat of arms set within a circular frame, two leopards rearing on hind legs to support a shield between them, topped by a stepped, crown-like device with feather plumes. The shield carries a stylised mountain or chevron motif with a gear wheel. Below, a ribbon carries the motto "Imbumba Yamanyama" in raised gold lettering, the whole design worked entirely in metallic gold against the tan envelope.
Information Card
uZimele waseTRANSKEI (Republic of Transkei) Following the southward migration of Black peoples from the lake region of Central Africa, which took place during the late medieval period, the Xhosa-speaking tribes established themselves from around 1775 in the portion of the Eastern Cape which later became known as Transkei. Frontier lines demarcating and clearly defining the territory were fixed and in the process Transkei was brought administratively under British colonial rule. In 1903 the Transkeian Territories General Council was formed following the amalgamation of thirteen district councils in the area. In 1913 the Natives Land Act was passed by the Government of the Union of South Africa, which provided that the territory be inalienably reserved for Black occupation and ownership. The culmination was reached in 1963 when Transkei was granted internal self-government by the South African Parliament. The Transkei Constitution Act passed in that year provided for the establishment of a unicameral legislature and a cabinet. Provision was also made for Transkei to have its own flag and national anthem, its own official language and citizenship. Today, 26 October 1976, the territory becomes fully independent and the new state will henceforth be called the Republic of Transkei. Parliament is composed of 75 representative chiefs sitting in an ex officio capacity and 75 members elected by the people. The Executive consists of a cabinet headed by a prime minister and a president who is the ceremonial head of the state. His assent will validate legislation passed by the Transkeian Parliament. The stage is thus set for a new era in the development of Transkei and it is hoped that the granting of independence will lead to increased prosperity and sustained progress for its people. The budget for 1976/77 amounts to more than R135 million and compares favourably with those of other independent African states. In the fields of agriculture, mining and general industry, opportunity for further advancement is assured. There are large tracts of frost-free land in well-watered regions with a high agricultural potential. Deposits of copper, nickel, platinum, coal and marble are known to exist and may prove commercially exploitable. There is no lack of man-power and the Transkei Development Corporation, which was established some ten years ago, will ensure that activities so important to the economic and industrial development of the new state are continued and extended with the assistance of financial aid it will provide.
Theme: Heritage
Condition: FineGood condition. Minor wear or small imperfections, but overall well-presented.
Addressed: No
Signed: No
Stamp denomination: R0.49 (ZAR)
Estimated value: ~US$0.1
This is a high-level, subjective estimate only, not a professional appraisal.
This first day cover (FDC) is part of Southern Covers, a private collection of 248 first day covers documenting the postal history and philately of South Africa and the homeland states. New to first day cover collecting? Read the guide to learn about cachets, postmarks, and stamp collecting terms, or browse the whole collection of Southern African FDCs.
