Bophuthatswana, Republic of
Former Black National State within South Africa, independent from 1977 (although not recognized by the United Nations) until 1994 when it was re-integrated into South Africa (in North West Province, Free State (formerly Orange Free State), and Mpumalanga (formerly Eastern Transvaal)) after rioting broke out in the run-up to the first multiracial elections.
The region covered an area of 40,330 sq km/15,571 sq mi. Products include platinum, chromium, vanadium, asbestos, and manganese. Setswana and English are spoken here, and the religion is Christian.
| The fantastical Lost City (part of the Sun City casino-resort) was opened in 1992 at a cost of 800 million rand (£170 million) – a designer jungle with its own ‘custom-built’ legends. |
| The president of the state, Lucas Mangope, threatened to boycott the South African elections, calling for greater autonomy for Bophuthatswana under the new constitution. Opposed by the majority of his people, Mangope fled the capital and was removed from power in March 1994; white right-wing groups attempted to take control, but were overcome by government forces, and the homeland was subsequently annexed by the South African government. |
