Umtata, town in southeastern South Africa, in Eastern Cape Province. Umtata was the capital of Transkei (one of ten former bantustuns, or homelands, assigned to blacks during the period of apartheid, the South African government's former policy of racial segregation). Industries in the town produce textiles, wood products, foodstuffs, and tobacco products. Subsistence agriculture and livestock raising dominate the economy of the surrounding area. Umtata lies on the main road between Durban, 280 km (175 mi) to the northeast, and East London, 180 km (110 mi) to the southwest. A railway connects Umtata and East London. Umtata also has a small airport. Landmarks in the town include Catholic and Anglican cathedrals, the town hall, and the former parliament, or Bunga. A branch of the University of Fort Hare was established in Umtata in 1975 and became the University of Transkei in 1977.
European settlement of Umtata began in 1869, providing a buffer between the warring Mpondo and Tembu peoples. A military post was established in 1882, and Umtata was officially proclaimed a town later that year. It became the headquarters of the Transkeian Territories General Council in 1903, and the capital of the newly created Transkei homeland in 1976. The town grew rapidly after 1976, attracting migrants from rural areas. Extensive areas of informal settlement have since developed around the town. Population (1995) 67,000 in Umtata proper, and (1995)143,000 in the metropolitan area.Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001
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