View source for Bophuthatswana

{{Short description|Bantustan in South Africa (1977–1994)}}{{About|the nominally-independent Bantustan|the neighbouring independent country|Botswana}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
{{Use South African English|date=October 2023}}
{{Infobox former country
| conventional_long_name = Republic of Bophuthatswana
| native_name            = {{native name|tn|Repaboleki ya Bophuthatswana}}<br />{{native name|af|Republiek van Bophuthatswana}}
| common_name            = Bophuthatswana
| status                 = Bantustan
| status_text            = [[Bantustan]]<br />(de facto; independence internationally unrecognised)
| p1                     = South Africa
| flag_p1                = Flag of South Africa 1928-1994.svg
| s1                     = South Africa
| flag_s1                = Flag of South Africa.svg
| image_flag             = Flag of Bophuthatswana (1972–1994).svg
| image_coat             = Coat of arms of Bophuthatswana.svg
| image_map              = Bophuthatswana in South Africa.svg
| image_map_caption      = Location of Bophuthatswana (red) within South Africa (beige).
| national_motto         = {{nowrap|"{{lang|tn|Tshwaraganang Lo Dire Pula E Ne}}"{{nbsp|2}}([[Tswana language|Tswana]])<br />"If we stand together and work hard we will be blessed with rain"}}{{efn-la|[http://flagspot.net/flags/za-bw.html Bophuthatswana] at Flags of the World.}}
| national_anthem        = {{lang|tn|[[Lefatshe leno la bo-rrarona]]}}{{efn-la|[http://www.worldstatesmen.org/Bophuthatswana_Constitution.pdf Constitution of the Republic of Bophuthatswana] as amended in 1984, Schedule 1.}}{{nbsp|2}}(Tswana)<br />This Land of our Forefathers[[File:Lefatshe leno la bo-rrarona.ogg]]
| capital                = [[Mmabatho]]
| official_languages     = {{plainlist|
*[[Tswana language|Tswana]]<ref name="official languages constitution"/>
*[[English language|English]]<ref name="official languages constitution"/>
*[[Afrikaans]]<ref name="official languages constitution">Constitution of the Republic of Bophuthatswana, chapter 1, section 5 "Tswana, English and Afrikaans shall be the official languages of Bophuthatswana"</ref>}}
| title_leader           = [[President of Bophuthatswana|President]]
| leader1                = [[Lucas Mangope]] ([[Bophuthatswana National Party|BNP]] and [[Bophuthatswana Democratic Party|BDP]])
| year_leader2           = 1988 (disputed)
| leader2                = [[Rocky Malebane-Metsing]] ([[Progressive People's Party (Bophuthatswana)|PPP]])
| year_leader4           = 1994
| leader4                = [[Tjaart van der Walt (academic)|Tjaart van der Walt]] ([[Independent politician|Independent]]) and [[Job Mokgoro]] ([[African National Congress|ANC]])
| year_leader1           = 1977–1994
| legislature            = Parliament
| type_house1            = Parliament
| house1                 = President and National Assembly
| type_house2            = National Assembly{{efn-la|''ibid.'', Chapter 5.}}
| house2                 = {{plainlist|
*24 regional representatives{{efn-la|Appointed.}}
*12 non-voting specialists{{efn-la|Appointed.}}{{efn-la|With or without citizenship.}}
*72 elected [[Member of Parliament|MP]]s}}
<!--
|event_pre = Established
|date_pre = 21 April 1961
-->| event_pre              = Self-government
| date_pre               = 1 June 1972
| event_start            = Nominal Independence
| date_start             = 6 December
| year_start             = 1977
| event1                 = Coup d'état
| date_event1            = 10 February 1988
| event2                 = Coup attempt
| date_event2            = 1990
| event3                 = [[1994 Bophuthatswana crisis]]
| date_event3            = 9–11 March 1994
| event_end              = Dissolution
| date_end               = 27 April
| year_end               = 1994
| stat_year1             = 1980<ref name="FrankentalSichone2005">{{cite book|author1=Sally Frankental|author2=Owen Sichone|title=South Africa's Diverse Peoples: A Reference Sourcebook|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2G9vI6NEjgYC&pg=PA187|access-date=18 September 2013|date=1 January 2005|publisher=ABC-CLIO|isbn=978-1-57607-674-3|page=187|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212012433/http://books.google.com/books?id=2G9vI6NEjgYC&pg=PA187|archive-date=12 December 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>
| stat_area1             = 44109
| stat_pop1              = 1,323,315
| stat_year2             = 1991<ref name=BSTNdist/>
| stat_area2             = 
| stat_pop2              = 1,478,950
| currency               = [[South African rand]]
| footnotes              = {{notelist-la}}
}}
{{SouthAfrica state}}
'''Bophuthatswana''' ({{IPAc-en|ˌ|b|oʊ|p|uː|t|ə|t|ˈ|s|w|ɑː|n|ə}}, {{literal translation|gathering of the Tswana people}}),<ref>{{cite book |last=Raper |first=P. E. |title=South African Place Names |publisher=Jonathan Ball, Jhb & Cape Town |year=2004 |page=34 |isbn=1-86842-190-2}}</ref> officially the '''Republic of Bophuthatswana''' ({{langx|tn|Repaboleki ya Bophuthatswana}}; {{langx|af|Republiek van Bophuthatswana}}), and colloquially referred to as '''the Bop''' and by outsiders as '''Jigsawland''' (In reference to its enclave-ridden borders)<ref>{{cite news |title=INDEPENDENCE FOR BOPHUTATSWANA |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qe3wYrB4kDo |access-date=29 December 2024 |via=YouTube |publisher=Associated Press |date=January 2, 1978}}</ref> was a [[Bantustan]] (also known as "Homeland", an area set aside for members of a specific ethnicity) that was declared (nominally) independent by the [[apartheid]] regime of [[South Africa]] in 1977. However, like the other Bantustans of [[Ciskei]], [[Transkei]] and [[Venda]], its independence was not recognized by any country other than South Africa.

Bophuthatswana was the second Bantustan to be declared an independent state by the Apartheid government, after [[Transkei]]. Its territory constituted a scattered patchwork of enclaves spread across what was then [[Cape Province]], [[Orange Free State (province)|Orange Free State]] and [[Transvaal (province)|Transvaal]]. Its seat of government was [[Mmabatho]], which is now a suburb of [[Mahikeng]].

On 27 April 1994, it was reintegrated into South Africa with the coming into force of the country's interim constitution. Its territory was distributed between the new provinces of the [[Free State (province)|Free State]], [[Gauteng]], [[Mpumalanga]] and [[North West (South African province)|North West Province]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.sahistory.org.za/article/homelands |title=The Homelands |date=17 April 2011 |work=South African History Online |access-date=23 July 2018|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180723182216/http://www.sahistory.org.za/article/homelands |archive-date=23 July 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==History==

{{Main|History of South Africa|Apartheid}}

===Establishment===

The area comprising former native reserves was set up as the only ''[[Bantustan|homeland]]'' for [[Tswana language|Tswana]]-speaking people in 1961 and administered by the Tswana Territorial Authority. It was given nominal self-rule in 1971, and [[Bophuthatswanan parliamentary election, 1972|elections]] were held the following year.

Following the [[Bophuthatswanan parliamentary election, 1977|1977 elections]], Chief [[Lucas Mangope]] became the first president after his Bophuthatswana Democratic Party won a majority of seats.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://africanelections.tripod.com/za_homelands.html |title=Elections in South Africa |publisher=Africanelections.tripod.com |access-date=18 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607022954/http://africanelections.tripod.com/za_homelands.html |archive-date=7 June 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=sa_hist>[http://www.sahistory.org.za/pages/places/villages/northWest/bophuthatswana.htm Bophuthatswana] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090623022715/http://www.sahistory.org.za/pages/places/villages/northWest/bophuthatswana.htm |date=23 June 2009 }} South African history online</ref>

===Independence and international reaction===

The territory became nominally independent on 6 December 1977. Bophuthatswana's independence was not recognized by any government other than those of South Africa and [[Transkei]], the first homeland to gain nominal independence. In addition, it was later internally recognized by the two additional countries within the [[Bantustan|TBVC]]-system, [[Ciskei]] and [[Venda]].

{{Quote box
  | quote  = <small>[A]t last we are no longer helplessly at the mercy of the arbitrary arrogance of those who until this hour trampled our human dignity into the dust.</small>
  | source = <small>- [[Lucas Mangope]]<ref name=time>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,945848,00.html |title=The Birth of BophuthaTswana |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |date=19 December 1977 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081215121824/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,945848,00.html |archive-date=15 December 2008}}</ref></small>
  | width  = 200px
  | align  = left
  | halign = left
  | salign = right
  | bgcolor = snowwhite
}}
{{Quote box
  | quote  = <small>The General Assembly denounces the declaration of the so-called "independence"&nbsp;... of Bophuthatswana&nbsp;... and declares [it] totally invalid.</small>
  | source = <small>- [[United Nations General Assembly]]<ref name=un>[https://www.un.org/documents/ga/res/32/ares32.htm Resolution A/RES/32/105 N, General Assembly of the United Nations] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170628063850/http://www.un.org/documents/ga/res/32/ares32.htm |date=28 June 2017 }}, 102nd plenary meeting, 14 December 1977</ref></small>
  | width  = 200px
  | align  = left
  | halign = left
  | salign = right
  | bgcolor = snowwhite
}}

Arguing in favour of independence, President Mangope claimed that the move would enable its population to negotiate with Pretoria from a stronger position: "We would rather face the difficulties of administering a fragmented territory, the wrath of the outside world, and accusations of ill-informed people. It's the price we are prepared to pay for being masters of our own destiny."<ref name=time />

[[United Nations Secretary-General]] [[Kurt Waldheim]] stated that he "strongly deplored" the establishment of "another so-called independent tribal homeland in pursuance of the discredited policies of apartheid",<ref name=time /> and in resolution A/RES/32/105N, passed on 14 December 1977, the [[United Nations General Assembly]] linked Bophuthatswana's "so-called 'independence{{'"}} to South Africa's "stubborn pursuit" of its policies, and called upon all governments to "deny any form of recognition to the so-called 'independent' bantustans".<ref name=un />

During a parliamentary debate in the [[United Kingdom|UK]] on 6 December 1977, Foreign Secretary [[David Owen]] replied in the negative when asked "whether Her Majesty's Government intend to recognise [[passport|travel documents]] issued by the authorities of&nbsp;... Bophuthatswana for the purpose of admitting visitors to the United Kingdom".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/written-answers/1977/dec/06/transkei-and-bophuthatswana-travel |title=Hasgard HC Deb vol 940 c621W |work=[[Hansard|Parliamentary Debates (Hansard)]] |date=6 December 1977 |access-date=18 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090713002959/http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1977/dec/06/transkei-and-bophuthatswana-travel |archive-date=13 July 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref>

While the majority of news reports echoed these official declarations, there were others which opined that Western critics should "suspend judgment for a time",<ref>Kilpatrick, James. "Give new nations a chance". ''Prescott Courier'', 5 January 1978</ref> and despite its generally critical stance on South Africa's policies, ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' magazine wrote that Bophuthatswana had "considerable economic potential" with an expected $30 million a year coming from mining revenues.<ref name=time />

Despite its official isolation, however, the government in Mmabatho managed to set up a trade mission in [[Tel Aviv]], [[Israel]],<ref>Peters, Joel. ''Israel and Africa''. The British Academic Press. London:1992. p161</ref> and conducted some business with neighbouring [[Botswana]] in an effort to sway attitudes; furthermore, Botswana agreed on "informal arrangements" short of official recognition in order to facilitate cross-border travel.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Dale|first=Richard|title=Botswana's search for autonomy in southern Africa|publisher=Greenwood Press|year=1995|isbn=9780313295713|location=Westport, Conn.|pages=6, 15}}</ref>

Bophuthatswana maintained an unofficial embassy in Israel during the 1980s, located next to the British embassy in Tel Aviv. The [[Israeli Foreign Ministry]] objected to the embassy's presence, as Israel did not recognize Bophuthatswana as a country. The Bantustan's president, Lucas Mangope, was nevertheless able to meet with prominent figures such as [[Moshe Dayan]] during visits to Israel.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=5CVeyhyEJ_4C&q=Mangope&pg=PA157 ''The Unspoken Alliance: Israel's Secret Relationship with Apartheid South Africa''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160208014928/https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=5CVeyhyEJ_4C&lpg=PA157&vq=Mangope&pg=PA157#v=snippet&q=Mangope&f=false |date=8 February 2016 }}, Sasha Polakow-Suransky, Pantheon Books, New York, 2010, page 157.</ref>

In the [[Bophuthatswanan parliamentary election, 1982|1982 elections]], the [[Bophuthatswana Democratic Party|Democratic Party]] won all 72 elected seats. It also won a large majority in the [[Bophuthatswanan parliamentary election, 1987|1987 elections]].

===Series of coups d'état===

On 10 February 1988, [[Rocky Malebane-Metsing]] of the People's Progressive Party (PPP) became the [[president of Bophuthatswana]] for one day when he took over the government through a military coup. He accused Mangope of corruption and charged that the recent election had been rigged in the government's favour. A statement by the defence force said "serious and disturbing matters of great concern" had emerged, citing Mangope's close association with a multimillionaire Israeli Soviet [[émigré]] [[Shabtai Kalmanovich]].<ref name=nyt88>[https://www.nytimes.com/1988/02/11/world/south-africa-quells-coup-attempt-in-a-homeland.html South Africa Quells Coup Attempt in a Homeland] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426071030/http://www.nytimes.com/1988/02/11/world/south-africa-quells-coup-attempt-in-a-homeland.html |date=26 April 2016 }}, ''[[The New York Times]]'', 11 February 1988</ref>

Subsequently, the [[South African Defence Force]] invaded Bophuthatswana and Mangope was reinstated and continued his term unabated.<ref name=sa_hist /> [[P. W. Botha]], [[State President of South Africa]] at the time, justified the reinstatement by saying that "[t]he South African Government is opposed in principle to the obtaining or maintaining of power by violence."<ref name=nyt88 />

In 1990, a second coup attempt took place in which an estimated 50,000 protesters demanded the President's resignation over his handling of the economy. ''[[The New York Times]]'' reported that seven people had been killed and 450 wounded "after police officers in armoured cars fired their rifles into the crowds and used tear gas and rubber bullets".

After Mangope had asked for help from the South African government, he declared a state of emergency and cut telephone links to the territory "for political reasons", claiming that "normal laws had become inadequate".<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1990/03/08/world/turmoil-spreads-to-2d-homeland.html Turmoil Spreads to 2d 'Homeland'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171129031207/http://www.nytimes.com/1990/03/08/world/turmoil-spreads-to-2d-homeland.html |date=29 November 2017 }}, ''The New York Times'', 8 March 1990</ref> [[Human Rights Watch]] put the number of protesters at 150,000.<ref>[http://www.refworld.org/docid/467fca2c2.html Human Rights Watch World Report 1990 – South Africa] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180726135320/http://www.refworld.org/docid/467fca2c2.html |date=26 July 2018 }}, published 1 January 1991</ref>

===Crisis of 1994===

{{main|1994 Bophuthatswana crisis}}

In the beginning of 1994 with South Africa heading for democratic elections, President [[Lucas Mangope]] resisted the elections taking place in Bophuthatswana and opposed reincorporation of the territory into South Africa. This resulted in increasing unrest and 40 people were wounded when Bophuthatswana Defence Force troops opened fire on striking [[civil servant]]s. Mangope took an increasingly hardline stance, rejected [[Independent Electoral Commission (South Africa)|Independent Electoral Commission]] chairman Judge [[Johann Kriegler]]'s plea for [[Freedom (political)|free political activity]] in the territory,<ref>"40 wounded as Mangope's men open fire". ''Business Day''. 10 March 1994.</ref> and fired the staff of the [[Bop TV|Bophuthatswana Broadcasting Corporation]], closing down two television stations and three radio stations.

With unrest growing and rumors of ANC supporters massing at Bophuthatswana's borders, Mangope invited General [[Constand Viljoen]], head of the right-wing [[Afrikaner Volksfront]], to immediately assist in keeping the peace. The Afrikaners were hastily rallied and mobilised, including the white supremacist group [[Afrikaner Weerstandsbeweging]] (AWB), which took the opportunity to move in and try to restore the apartheid status quo. Uniformed members of the AWB on an armed incursion to the Mmabatho/Mafikeng area shot at unarmed civilians blocking the road, injuring and killing many.<ref>
{{cite web |
url=http://www.doj.gov.za/trc/decisions/1999/ac990239.htm |
title=Amnesty Application – Ontlametse Bernstein Menyatsoe |
publisher=Truth and Reconciliation Commission |
access-date=15 August 2006 |
archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070214201237/http://www.doj.gov.za/trc/decisions/1999/ac990239.htm |
archive-date=14 February 2007 |
url-status=live }}
</ref>

They themselves were shot at by members of the [[Bophuthatswana Defence Force]] (BDF) and the Police and were forced to retreat. One member of the AWB travelling back in a blue Mercedes Benz shot at some people along the road, which was then followed by members of the [[Bophuthatswana Police]] opening fire at the car. The driver, [[Nicolaas Fourie]], and his two passengers promptly surrendered and were disarmed. After the media were allowed to photograph the badly injured prisoners, they were then executed at point-blank range by a Bophuthatswana policeman, [[Ontlametse Bernstein Menyatsoe|Ontlametse Bernstein Menyatswe]].<ref>{{cite web|
url=http://www.info.gov.za/speeches/1999/990806933a1001.htm|
title=Amnesty granted for killing of three AWB members in 1994|
publisher=Truth and Reconciliation Commission|
date=5 August 1999|
url-status=dead|
archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070310201257/http://www.info.gov.za/speeches/1999/990806933a1001.htm|
archive-date=10 March 2007}}</ref> These killings effectively spelt the end of white right-wing military opposition to democratic reforms.

On 12 March 1994, Mangope was deposed as [[President of Bophuthatswana]] by the South African government and the [[Transitional Executive Council]]. [[South African Ambassador to Bophuthatswana]], Prof. [[Tjaart van der Walt (academic)|Tjaart van der Walt]], was then appointed as the territory's new administrator.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.sahistory.org.za/dated-event/chief-lucas-mangope-deposed-leader-bophuthatswana-dr-tjaart-van-der-walt-appointed-terri|title=Chief Lucas Mangope is deposed as leader of Bophuthatswana. Dr. Tjaart van der Walt is appointed as the territory's new adminis|date=12 March 2012|work=South African History Online|access-date=18 July 2018|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718055156/https://www.sahistory.org.za/dated-event/chief-lucas-mangope-deposed-leader-bophuthatswana-dr-tjaart-van-der-walt-appointed-terri|archive-date=18 July 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.sahistory.org.za/dated-event/tec-decides-bophuthatswana%E2%80%99s-incorporation-following-major-unrest|title=The TEC decides on Bophuthatswana's incorporation following major unrest|date=9 March 2012|work=South African History Online|access-date=18 July 2018|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718060828/http://www.sahistory.org.za/dated-event/tec-decides-bophuthatswana%E2%80%99s-incorporation-following-major-unrest|archive-date=18 July 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Dissolution===

{{Main|Negotiations to end apartheid in South Africa}}

With the end of apartheid after the first multi-racial elections and the coming into force of the Interim Constitution of South Africa on 27 April 1994, Bophuthatswana ceased to exist and once again became part of South Africa.

The majority of the country became part of the [[North West (South African province)|North West]] province, while the [[Thaba 'Nchu]] district became part of the [[Free State (province)|Free State]], and the [[Mathanjana]] exclave north-east of Pretoria became part of [[Mpumalanga]]. The capital, Mmabatho, was merged with Mafikeng and the combined city is now the capital of the North-West province.
<!-- == Government and politics ==

-->

==Geography==

[[File:Bop 77.jpg|thumb|300px|Bophuthatswana in 1977]]
[[File:Map of Bophuthatswana with boundary changes from independence to dissolution.svg|thumb|300px|Map of Bophuthatswana showing districts and border changes]]

===Territory===

Bophuthatswana had a surface area of approximately {{cvt|40000|km2}} and consisted of seven [[enclave]]s dispersed over the former South African provinces of [[Cape Province]], [[Transvaal Province|Transvaal]], and [[Orange Free State (province)|Orange Free State]]. Six of the enclaves were located relatively close together with three in the [[Cape Province]] and another three in Transvaal. The seventh enclave was in the Orange Free State between [[Bloemfontein]] and the [[Lesotho]] border.

One of the enclaves shared a border with [[Botswana]], while two of the enclaves were located near [[Pretoria]] and its surrounding industrial areas. The townships in these enclaves, such as [[Ga-Rankuwa]] and [[Mabopane]] continued to serve as dormitory townships for the supply of labour (as they had done prior to Bophuthatswana's independence) despite being located in Bophuthatswana territory. Other enclaves were similarly located near South African cities such as [[Rustenburg]] and Bloemfontein.

The capital, [[Mmabatho]], was situated in the enclave bordering Botswana.

The territory and borders of the country were fluid as the South African government frequently incorporated territory into the country. As a result, when independence was declared in 1977, the country originally consisted of six enclaves but just before its reincorporation into South Africa, it had seven enclaves. Another example was the incorporation of [[Mafeking, South Africa|Mafeking]], which was located just outside the borders of Bophuthatswana when it gained independence in 1977, into the country in 1980 after a local referendum.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/za-nw-mm.html|title=Mafikeng / Mmabatho (South Africa)|access-date=13 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020132916/http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/za-nw-mm.html|archive-date=20 October 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Districts and cities===

Districts of Bophuthatswana and their population in 1991<ref name=BSTNdist>{{cite web|title=Census > 1991 > Bophuthatswana > Variable Description >&nbsp;... > Household Number-District|url=http://interactive.statssa.gov.za:8282/webview/|publisher=Statistics South Africa – Nesstar WebView|access-date=18 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160619202856/http://interactive.statssa.gov.za:8282/webview/|archive-date=19 June 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> were:

* [[Odi, North West|Odi]]: 354,782	
* [[Moretele]]: 235,540
* [[Tlhaping-Tlharo]]: 101,425 	
* [[Ditsobotla]]: 135,045 	
* [[Molopo, North West|Molopo]]: 128,383 	
* [[Mankwe]]: 89,841 	
* [[Bafokeng]]: 88,399 	
* [[Taung]]: 134,277 	
* [[Thaba 'Nchu]]: 49,053 	
* [[Lehurutshe]]: 62,901 	
* [[Madikwe]]: 52,268 	
* [[Ganyesa]]: 47,036

Major cities and towns in Bophuthatswana included:

*[[Ga-Rankuwa]]
*[[Mabopane]]
*[[Mafikeng]]
*[[Mmabatho]] – the capital
*[[Mogwase]]
*[[Temba, Gauteng|Temba]]
*[[Tlhabane]]

==Demographics==

The homeland was set up to house [[Setswana]]-speaking peoples. In 1983, it had more than 1,430,000 inhabitants; in 1990, it had an estimated population of 2,352,296.<ref>"[http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact90/world12.txt 1990 CIA World Factbook] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110427053700/http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact90/world12.txt |date=27 April 2011 }}". [[Central Intelligence Agency]]. Retrieved on 19 August 2008.</ref> Only 10% of Bophuthatswana's total land area was arable, and much of that was covered with scrub bush.<ref name=time />

Though the majority of its population was Tswana-speaking, Tswana, English, and Afrikaans were all designated as official languages by the Constitution of Bophuthatswana.<ref>[http://www.worldstatesmen.org/Bophuthatswana_Constitution.pdf Constitution of Bophuthatswana] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100721224545/http://www.worldstatesmen.org/Bophuthatswana_Constitution.pdf |date=21 July 2010 }}, as revised in 1984, Chapter 1, 5.</ref>
<!-- Find first Constitution of Bophuthatswana, Act 18 of 1977 -->

==Economy==

Bophuthatswana was the richest of the TBVC-states as it had [[platinum]] [[mining|mines]], which accounted for two-thirds of the total platinum production in the Western world. It was also rich in asbestos, granite, vanadium, chromium and manganese.<ref name=time /> Additional revenues came from the [[Sun City, North West|Sun City]] casino, which was a day trip from [[Johannesburg]] and [[Pretoria]], where [[gambling]] was illegal under the [[National Party (South Africa)|National Party]] government, as it was throughout all of South Africa.

Bophuthatswana had a relatively [[capitalist]]  [[free market]] economy, as seen by the government's drive for infrastructure development, foreign direct investments and virtually no regulatory barriers to starting and running a business. Initially, its economy was driven by agriculture then later by mining, hospitality and banking.

Bophuthatswana also issued bearer development bonds. The so-called "Bop Bonds" were redeemed by the government of the [[North West (South African province)|North West province]] from 1995 to 1997,<ref>{{cite news |author=<!-- not stated --> |date= |title=Bop bond holders get money-back promise |url=https://iol.co.za/personal-finance/investments/1996-04-17-bop-bond-holders-get-money-back-promise/ |work=IOL |location= |publisher= |access-date=}}</ref> and are now worthless as financial instruments. However, bonds in excellent condition are considered collectible. Bonds issued in 1988 and 1989, in R10 and R20 denominations, currently trade at 10–25% of original face value.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.info.gov.za/speeches/1996/96_0801a.htm |title=Page redirection |publisher=Info.gov.za |date=18 September 2012 |access-date=18 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120905123239/http://www.info.gov.za/speeches/1996/96_0801a.htm |archive-date=5 September 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.fanews.co.za/Uploads/supervision_financial_insti_rationalisation_act321996.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=19 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105124117/http://www.fanews.co.za/Uploads/supervision_financial_insti_rationalisation_act321996.pdf |archive-date=5 November 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Media==

{{further|Bop TV}}

Bophuthatswana ran a now-defunct television station called [[Bop TV]]. Bop TV was also available in some townships like [[Soweto]], for Tswana people (who were ostensibly citizens of Bophuthatswana), but the signal was also watched by white South Africans seeking a more entertaining alternative to the [[SABC]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cowell |first1=Alan |title=South Africa Whites Seek Black TV |url= https://www.nytimes.com/1984/08/01/arts/south-africa-whites-seek-black-tv.html |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=20 October 2015 |date=1 August 1984}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Van Slambrouck |first1=Paul |title=South African whites clamor to tune in black TV |url=https://www.csmonitor.com/1984/0203/020318.html/(page)/3 |newspaper=[[The Christian Science Monitor]] |access-date=20 October 2015 |date=3 February 1984}}</ref>

== BOP Records ==

[[BOP Studios|Bophuthatswana Recording Studios]], also known as BRS or BOP, was constructed in 1991 as an effort to raise the international profile of South Africa.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The BOP Studios Story|url=https://www.soundonsound.com/music-business/bop-studios-story|access-date=15 June 2021|website=soundonsound.com}}</ref>

==Security forces==

{{main|Bophuthatswana Defence Force|Bophuthatswana Air Force}}

[[File:Flag of Bophuthatswana Defence Force.svg|right|thumb|Flag of the BDF]]

Towards the end of its existence, the [[Bophuthatswana Defence Force]] (BDF) had an estimated number of 4,000 troops, mostly infantry.<ref name=sa_hist /> It was organized into six military regions, and its ground forces included two infantry battalions, possessing two armoured personnel carriers. The [[Bophuthatswana Air Force]] of 150 personnel possessed three combat aircraft and two armed helicopters.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.photius.com/countries/south_africa/national_security/south_africa_national_security_homeland_militaries.html |title=South Africa Homeland Militaries – Flags, Maps, Economy, History, Climate, Natural Resources, Current Issues, International Agreements, Population, Social Statistics, Political System |publisher=Photius.com |access-date=18 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090802114152/http://www.photius.com/countries/south_africa/national_security/south_africa_national_security_homeland_militaries.html |archive-date=2 August 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref> The president was commander-in-chief and was authorised to deploy the armed forces in both cross-border operations as well as domestically.<ref>[http://www.worldstatesmen.org/Bophuthatswana_Constitution.pdf Constitution of the Republic of Bophuthatswana] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100721224545/http://www.worldstatesmen.org/Bophuthatswana_Constitution.pdf |date=21 July 2010 }} as amended in 1984, Chapter 3, 20.(2)(a)</ref>

During its last days in 1994, the [[Bophuthatswana Police]] had 6,002 police officers, operating from 56 police stations throughout the territory.<ref>[http://www.saps.gov.za/saps_profile/amalga.htm 'Policing Agencies: 1994, Prior to Amalgamation: South Africa'] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090605024004/http://www.saps.gov.za/saps_profile/amalga.htm |date=5 June 2009 }}. Website of the South African Police Service.</ref>

With the dissolution of Bophuthatswana in 1994, the BDF and the Bophuthatswana Police were incorporated into the [[South African National Defence Force]] and the [[South African Police Service]], respectively.

==Coins==

{{main|Coins of Bophuthatswana}}

Bophuthatswana was the only Bantustan to produce its own coins. Two coins were minted as a proof set only; the [[South African Rand]] remained the official currency.

==Notable people==
List of notable former residents of Bophuthatswana includes:

* [[Patrice Motsepe]], businessman<ref>{{cite web | title=Motsepe neglecting home village |website=News24|date=24 February 2013 |url=https://www.news24.com/news24/motsepe-neglects-home-village-20130224 |access-date=27 May 2024}}</ref>
* [[Herman Mashaba]], businessman, president of [[ActionSA]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Acknowledging Mangope's leadership attributes is no yearning for Bantustans |website=actionsa.org.za |date=February 5, 2024 |url=https://www.actionsa.org.za/acknowledging-mangopes-leadership-attributes-is-no-yearning-for-bantustans/ |access-date=27 May 2024}}</ref>
* [[Mogoeng Mogoeng]], former chief justice of South Africa<ref>{{cite web |title=The undeniable evidence of Kgosi Lucas Manyane Mangope's Visionary Leadership and Developmental Grace |website=actionsa.org.za |date=March 15, 2024 |url=https://www.actionsa.org.za/the-undeniable-evidence-of-kgosi-lucas-manyane-mangopes-visionary-leadership-and-developmental-grace/ |access-date=25 January 2025}}</ref>
* [[Mamokgethi Phakeng]], former vice chancellor of the University of Cape Town
* [[Tshepo Motsepe]], businesswoman and first lady of South Africa<ref>{{cite web |title=Dr Tshepo Motsepe |website=The Presidency (Republic of South Africa) |url=https://www.thepresidency.gov.za/node/5290 |access-date=27 May 2024}}</ref>
* [[Bess Nkabinde | Baaitse Nkabinde]], former judge at the South African high court
* [[Cassper Nyovest | Refiloe Phoolo]], musician and businessman
* [[DJ Fresh (South African DJ) | Thato Sikwane]], disk jockey and music producer 
* [[Connie Ferguson]], actress, film producer and businesswoman

==See also==

{{portal|South Africa}}
* [[Bantustan]]
* [[Coins of Bophuthatswana]]
* [[List of heads of state of Bophuthatswana]]
* [[Postal orders of Bophuthatswana]]
* [[List of historical unrecognized states and dependencies]]
* [[Satellite state]]
* [[Homeland]]

==References==

{{Reflist}}

{{SA-Bantustans}}
{{South African Governments|state=collapsed}}
{{Political history of South Africa}}
{{Authority control}}
{{coord|25.8000|S|25.5500|E|source:wikidata|display=title}}

[[Category:Bophuthatswana| ]]
[[Category:1994 disestablishments in South Africa]]
[[Category:1977 establishments in South Africa]]
[[Category:States and territories established in 1977]]
[[Category:States and territories disestablished in 1994]]
[[Category:Enclaves and exclaves]]
[[Category:Former republics]]
[[Category:Former enclaves]]