Ciskei

American  

[sis-kahy] / ˈsɪs kaɪ /

noun

1. a self-governing Bantu territory of South Africa on the Indian Ocean: granted independence in 1981 by South Africa, but not recognized by any other country as an independent state. 3,200 sq. mi. (8,300 sq. km). Bisho.

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Ciskei British  

/ ˈsɪskaɪ /

noun

1. (formerly) a Bantu homeland in SE South Africa; declared independent in 1981 but this was not recognized outside South Africa; abolished in 1993. Capital: Bisho (now Bhisho)

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Other Word Forms

• Ciskeian adjective

Example Sentences

Said the moderate Johannesburg Star: "Ciskei has become a byword for all the worst excesses of banana republics."

From Time Magazine Archive

For Pretoria, the Ciskei vote was a way of trying to show that the whole homelands strategy was worth salvaging, despite a barrage of doubts about it even by the Afrikaner establishment.

From Time Magazine Archive

South Africa gave Ciskei $300 million at its christening for road construction, telecommunications and other projects, and has promised $250 million more during the fiscal year ending in February of 1985.

From Time Magazine Archive

S. Africa Takes Over Homeland The head of the apartheid "homeland" of Ciskei stepped down, allowing the South African transitional government to take over until all-race elections are held nationwide April 26-28.

From Time Magazine Archive

A few weeks later, Brigadier Gqozo in the Ciskei capitulated and asked South Africa to take over the homeland.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela