Ciskei, 1974

Across the Kei River, separated from Transkei by white South African territory, was the much smaller Xhosa homeland of Ciskei. It was granted internal self-government on 1 August 1972 and achieved full “independence” from South Africa on 4 December 1981. The capital initially was Zwelitsha and later Bisho (Bhisho). Its flag was first hoisted outside the Legislative Assembly building on 15 March 1974 and officially taken into use on 22 June 1977. It was light blue, symbolising the infinity of the sky and striving for progress and development. A white diagonal bar referred to the path which must be followed to achieve this and, in black, a Blue Crane or “Indwe”, symbolising courage. Traditionally, Xhosa people who had distinguished themselves were decorated with feathers of the Blue Crane by the tribal Chief.