Postage Stamps, Mozambique

Postage Stamps, Mozambique

Date 1953 | 1954 Origin South Africa Size 34mm x 25mm | 25mm x 30mm Acquired March 2021 From Rosebank Market, Jhb Price R250 for collector’s album

Transkei

“Transkei. Region of the eastern Cape Province between the River Kei (q.v.) and Natal border, excluding the districts of Maclear and Elliot, and comprising Tembuland, of which Bomvanaland forms a portion, Pondoland, Fingoland, Galekaland, the Idutywa Reserve and Griqualand East. Area 16,554 square miles. The latest estimated population figures are 1,500,000, including 16,000 Whites. Over many years an administrative system developed under distinguished chief magistrates in the capital town, Umtata (q.v.), supported by recognised chiefs and headmen. In May 1957 the Bunga (q.v.) was replaced by a new Transkeian Territorial Authority. This in turn was replaced under Act 48 of 1963, when self-government was adopted with effect from 1964 and all Bantu inhabitants given the vote, including those outside the Transkei borders. Under the first electoral law 880,425 voters were registered in 1963. The Transkei Legislative Assembly consists of the four Paramount Chiefs, 60 chiefs, and 45 members elected by registered voters, who can also be members of the Transkeian tribes living elsewhere in South Africa. There is a Cabinet, elected by the Assembly, consisting of a Chief Minister and five Ministers, namely of Justice, Education, Interior, Agriculture and Forestry, and Roads and Works.

There is power of direct taxation, and controls of local police, inferior courts, Justices of the Peace, local public works and roads, Bantu municipal institutions, the local Civil Service, labour matters and welfare services. Bills passed by the Assembly require the assent of the State President.

Excluded from the jurisdiction of the Assembly are military matters and the movement of South African troops in the territories, control of arms factories, the appointment of diplomatic representatives and the making of treaties or international agreements, police Post Office and radio, national roads, railways, harbours and aviation, entry of non-Transkeians into the territory, the Transkeian High Court (to be established), currency, banking and public loans, customs and excise and the amendment of the Transkeian Constitution Act itself. Provision

is made for a Transkeian flag and national anthem. Xosa is an additional official language, and Sesotho may be used for official purposes. The Transkei is the first of the ‘Separate Development Self-Governing Areas’ under the Government’s policy with regard to the Bantu” (Rosenthal 1967:565-566).