Factors and events which led to the political independence of Bophuthatswana, 1950-1977

Abstract

Currently, the political independence of Bophuthatswana is a controversial and critical issue. The independence of Bophuthatswana can be seen as a milestone in the history of South African politics since it resulted in the political break away of Bophuthatswana from the Republic of South Africa. The subject was approached in a chronological and analytical manner and starts (after the presentation of the problem and goals) with an empirical and analytical exposition of the ethno-history of the Tswana, the inception, application and development of the Black Authorities System (1951) and ends with the attainment of independence. The results of the research are presented in the concluding chapter. It is evident that both the Bophuthatswana and South African governments played a decisive role in this process. The study focuses mainly on the complex character of factors present in the political and constitutional development of Bophuthatswana and on divergent perceptions pertaining to the political development of the Tswana and independence as such. The most important perceptions and complicating factors regarding the complexity of the constitutional and political development of Bophuthatswana have been analysed systematically in order to present an overview and coherent evaluation of the subject.