Thaba Nchu Incorporation
Bophuthatswana, Thaba Nchu · 1983-10-01
Official first day cover (FDC) · South African philately
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This cover is postmarked on 01-10-1983 in Thaba Nchu, marking the town's formal incorporation into Bophuthatswana. It uses the 10c Tlokwa definitive stamp from 1977, depicting an aardvark, rather than a purpose made commemorative issue. Thaba Nchu sits at the foot of a mountain the Barolong called the "black mountain" for its dense tree cover, and the town's history stretches back to Barolong settlement in 1833 and the arrival of Voortrekkers in 1835.
Description of the Cachet
This cachet is quieter than the other covers in the batch, built around a formal coat of arms rather than a decorative illustration. The shield shows a chequered pattern with a covered wagon crest above and the Afrikaans motto "VOLHARD EN OORWIN" on a ribbon below. Beside it flies the Bophuthatswana national flag, blue with a diagonal gold band and a leopard emblem in a white roundel. "Thaba Nchu" appears in flowing script beneath the flag, with the incorporation date and a small walking leopard logo alongside. The words "Inlywing by · Incorporation with Bophuthatswana" run along the bottom in both Afrikaans and English. Two identical Thaba Nchu date stamps mark the cover, each carrying its own leopard motif. This is a commemorative cover marking a political event rather than a new stamp issue. The single Tlokwa definitive affixed at right, showing an aardvark, was on hand for postage rather than purpose designed for the occasion.
Information Card
INCORPORATION OF THABA NCHU WITH BOPHUTHATSWANA In the scenic Eastern Free State, 64 km from Bloemfontein and halfway between Maseru and Bloemfontein, the small town of Thaba Nchu or Thaba e ntsho nestles at the foot of the "black mountain". This is what the Barolong called the mountain because it is thickly overgrown with different kinds of indigenous trees and shrubs, causing it to appear dark at a distance. This mountain dominates the whole district. It is 2 105 m above sea-level, one of the highest in the Orange Free State. Not only is this an interesting geographic change in the monotony of the plains of this province, but it can also rightly be regarded as an important historical beacon in the history of South Africa in general and the OFS in particular. More than a century ago Black and White met here and settled side by side in harmony through mutual understanding and consideration. The Blacks and the Whites who settled here in the thirties of the nineteenth century were interdependent for aid and support in more than one respect. In 1833, after many years of roaming, famine and privation the Barolong finally found peace here through the kind offices of Wesleyan missionaries. In 1835, after crossing the Orange River, the Voortrekkers arrived here at Thaba Nchu to start a new life. Owing to wandering and hardship both population groups were in a state of exhaustion, and rest and peaceful co-existence were vital to both parties. In 1835 the Orange Free State entered a new phase of development in which White and Black settled side by side. With the realization of the homeland Bophuthatswana and with independence in 1977 it had already been made clear that Thaba Nchu would have to be incorporated with the independent state of Bophuthatswana because of its geographic and ethnic alliances. This ideal becomes a reality on 1 October 1983. HEER PTA
Theme: Heritage
Condition: FineGood condition. Minor wear or small imperfections, but overall well-presented.
Addressed: No
Signed: No
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 211 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.
