Transkei, n. (a.)
(trɑːnsˈkaɪ, træns-)
[f. trans- 7 + Kei, a river of S. Africa.]
An area within Cape Province (formerly Cape Colony), situated across the river Kei which falls into the Indian Ocean, c 28° 20{p} E., and was from 1847 to 1877 the boundary between Kafirland or Caffraria and Cape Colony. Transkei is now one of two homelands of the Xhosa people (cf. Ciskeian a. and n.), having in 1976 been the first Black homeland to be declared independent by the Republic of South Africa. Also attrib. or as adj. Hence Transˈkeian, (a) adj., of or pertaining to Transkei; (b) n., a native or inhabitant of the Transkei.
| 1879 Whitaker's Almanack 259/1 The area [of Cape Colony], including Basutoland and Transkei, 222,308 square miles. Ibid. 259/2 The Transkeian territories stretch from the Kei to Natal. 1898 Ibid. 515 (Cape Colony) The Transkei territories. Ibid., (Principal events) Incorporation of all the Transkeian territories, except part of Pondoland, with the Colony, completed 1885; annexation of Pondoland 1894. 1899 Daily News 10 Oct. 7/1 The Pondos and the other Transkei tribes are not absolutely to be relied on. 1911 J. Lennox Missions S. Afr. 81 A question of a much more difficult nature has exercised the Kafrarian and Transkeian Churches. 1974 Standard Encycl. S. Afr. X. 564/1 All Transkeian taxpayers over the age of 18 and all other Transkeian citizens over 21..to whom certain disqualifications do not apply are entitled to register as voters. 1976 Times 17 Feb. 7/6 The Transkeians want to make independence a success. 1976 Times 25 Oct. 13 Tonight the South African flag will be lowered in Umtata and the Transkeian flag will be raised. 1979 J. Drummond Patriots ii. 15 The Transkeian labour problem. Ibid. iii. 23 Nearly all those who lost their jobs were Transkeians. |