Medal - Ciskei Independence
1981 year| Brass | 24.95 g | 38 mm |
| Location | Ciskei (South Africa) |
|---|---|
| Type | Medals › Commemorative medals |
| Year | 1981 |
| Composition | Brass |
| Weight | 24.95 g |
| Diameter | 38 mm |
| Thickness | 3.65 mm |
| Shape | Round (Suspension hole at 12 o'clock) |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Updated | 2024-11-14 |
| Numista | N#253934 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 95% |
Reverse
Script: Latin
Lettering:
INKULULEKO YECISKEI
81-12-04
IMBASA YOTHABATHA INXAXHEBA
Translation:
CISKEI INDEPENDENCE
81-12-04
SOUVENIR MEDAL
Edge
Plain
Comment
The Republic of Ciskei was a nominally independent "bantustan" state in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Bantustan states were part of the policies of the apartheid government and were intended to force black populations into "homelands" where they would be deprived of South African citizenship and only allowed into South Africa proper to work.The Ciskei was the 4th bantustan to be granted independence, on 4 December 1981. The state existed until 1994 when, with the end of apartheid, all homeland territories were reincorporated into South Africa. Aside from South Africa, no other countries recognised the independence of the Ciskei. Despite this, the state had its own governmental structures and military forces, and even underwent a coup d'etat in 1990.
This medal was handed out to attendees of the independence celebrations at the Independence Stadium in the capital city of Bisho. Bisho is now the provincial capital of South Africa's Eastern Cape province.