The Ciskei: the political economy of control

This article has two aims: to provide an introduction to the Ciskei as a region of the Eastern Cape; and to ask how the existence of the Ciskei affects that part of the South African working class designated as Ciskeian. Sections: historical background – demography and economy today – political control inside the Ciskei – control of the working class and the unemployed – the Manpower Development Centre and extension of control over migrants – control over commuters; repression of the trade unions – control of the internal working class. Notes, tab.