The struggle for a place called home: the ANC versus the UDM in the Eastern Cape

Abstract

The birth of the UDM constituted a particular challenge to the ANC in the Eastern Cape. In one of the poorest provinces, which incorporated the former homelands of Ciskei and Transkei, the ANC provincial government had been faced by challenges which threatened to erode its base amongst its traditional constituency. The UDM sought to exploit these discontents by cultivating the chiefs and the former Transkeian elite. The ANC responded by its own battle for the chiefs and by deploying national leaders to campaign in Transkei. Even if the UDM fails to develop a national appeal, it may remain an important player in the Eastern Cape.