Bophuthatswana Declares Independence from South Africa
December 6th, 1977
December 6th, 1977
How Long Ago?
47 years, 3 months, 9 days ago
Location
Bophuthatswana, South Africa
Category
Politics & Government
People
- Lucas Mangope
Links & References
Tags
Bophuthatswana Declares Independence from South Africa
Bophuthatswana was granted independence by South Africa in 1977, despite lack of international recognition. This territory was set up as part of the apartheid policy to create so-called 'homelands' for black South Africans. Although it was touted by the South African government as a way to offer self-determination, Bophuthatswana's sovereignty was only recognized by South Africa, leading to questions about its legitimacy and the implications for the residents living there.
Bophuthatswana was one of several homelands.
Lucas Mangope was its first and only president.
Independence was only recognized by South Africa.
The territory was created to further apartheid policies.
What Happened?
Bophuthatswana was one of several nominally independent 'homelands' established by the South African government during apartheid, aimed at segregating black South Africans from the white population. On December 6, 1977, Bophuthatswana was declared an independent state by the South African government. The administration of Bophuthatswana was led by Lucas Mangope, who served as its president. Despite the claims of independence and self-determination, Bophuthatswana was effectively a puppet state, heavily dependent on South Africa both economically and politically. The declaration was part of a broader strategy by the Apartheid regime to maintain control over the black population while creating the illusion of autonomy and self-governance. The territory, located in the North West Province, was only recognized as independent by South Africa, with no other nations acknowledging its sovereignty. This scenario reflected the global outcry against apartheid policies, with many countries considering such proclamations illegitimate. The political landscape in Bophuthatswana was characterized by limited freedoms and a government that upheld the apartheid system.
Why Does it Matter?
The granting of independence to Bophuthatswana is intriguing as it represents the complexities of the apartheid regime's policies. It showcases the lengths to which the government went to legitimize its system of racial segregation and the international community's rejection of these efforts. While Bophuthatswana was forced into a role that undermined true self-determination, its status as a 'homeland' highlights the challenges faced by those subject to colonial and apartheid-like structures.
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