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RSA (Pre-1994): Ciskei Independence

RSA (Pre-1994): Ciskei IndependenceRSA (Pre-1994): Ciskei Independence
RSA (Pre-1994): Ciskei IndependenceRSA (Pre-1994): Ciskei Independence
Form: Circular. Silver medal proof-like with frosted designs. Bronze medal roughened.
By: Arthur. L. Sutherland / SA Mint
Date: 1981
Ref:  Laidlaw: 0112b;
Variations:
SizeMetalMassValue
38.4 mmSilver28.8 gm$30
38.3 mmDarkened Bronze24.9 gm$20

Edge: Plain. Silver medal stamped: "(springbok head) S925 H (for 1981) S.A.M".

Obverse: Coat of arms of the Ciskei with leopard supporters, bird crest and indistinct motto: “SIYAKUNQANDWA ZIINKWENKWEZI (we shall be stopped by the stars)”. Signed: “ALS” below, left.

Reverse: Within a laurel wreath: “4 DISEMBA (in an arc) / 1981”. Legend on a raised band above: “IRIPHABLIKI YE CISKEI (Republic of the Ciskei)” and below: “INKULULEKO (independence)”.

Notes: Silver medal issued inside a blue case with the arms of the Ciskei on the outside and lined on the inside with white silk: "SAM" and blue velvet. The case for the bronze medal is the same except that it is green.

The medal commemorates the formation of the Republic of the Ciskei, a nominally independent black homeland for Xhosa-speaking people, created under apartheid legislation. It was located in the south east of South Africa and possessed a small coastline along the shore of the Indian Ocean. The capital was Bisho and its president was Lennox Sebe. Ciskei was reincorporated into South Africa in 1994 after the first post-apartheid elections.