In 1959 Transkei became the first of the Bantu homelands. A legislature was introduced in l963, but its acts had to be approved by South Africa. Agriculture and animal husbandry are the chief economic activities. Such crops as tea, coffee, flax, nuts, and flowers are grown. Minor industries include the making of woven mohair products and wooden furniture.
Many adults work as migrant laborers in South Africa.
Charges of widespread corruption, bribery, and fraud led to two military coups in 1987. In late September the feuding Mantanzima family that had dominated Transkei politics for nearly 25 years was ousted. Stella Sigcau, a tribal chief's daughter who was installed as the new prime minister, was removed in another coup at the end of the year. Gen. Bantu Holomisa took over the government. In April 1994, when South Africa had multiracial elections and adopted a new constitution, Transkei became a part of the larger state.