16 Aug Old Transkei Towns and Villages
A trip through the old Transkei which now forms part of the Eastern Cape Province always evokes many emotions. Transkei became independant in 1976 under the rule of Chief Matanzima as part of the S.A. Governments attempt to segregate the country.
The economy of this region was largely based on the rural agricultural economy, but relied largely on remittances from migrant workers, many working on the mines. Many of the old trading families were bought out or were expropriated, and the towns in the region went into decline as a result of the economic decline and mismanagement.
This post displays the results of this decline in the towns such as Redoubt, Lusikisiki, Tsolo, Kentani, Tabankulu, Cala, and Lady Frere.
Despite this, a trip through this region still takes one back to a more rural environment, with its own charm, and the evocative remnants of the old world and its remains.