Black elites in the Transkei

Abstract

The traditional elite in Transkei has inherited the political kingdom from the Republic of South Africa. Three groups of modern elites, teachers, bureaucrats and entrepreneurs have been the beneficiaries of the decolonisation process. They share the material benefits but appear to be politically subordinate to the traditional elite. The professionals have evinced some opposition to the ruling group, but it has been sporadic and ineffective, both in its parliamentary and its radical form. These groups undoubtedly have common interests, income levels, life styles, occupations which demand similar educational achievements and values. However, they could not as yet be said to constitute a ruling class, and the post‐independence period may well see the emergence of elite competition, as has happened elsewhere in Africa.

There is evidence that people feel that the old saying “a chief is a chief for the people” no longer holds true. The interests of the impoverished peasant who works the land, and of the poorly paid urban working class tend to be disregarded in the political process. This growing gap between the rulers and ruled could well be widened by the relationship of dependence in which the elites stand to the Government of the Republic of South Africa. To achieve political stability which can only flow from the reconciliation of the interests of all, will demand a high degree of statecraft.