In 1985, Apartheid practitioners conceived a plan to merge the Transkei and Ciskei and create a 'united nation of Xhosa speakers' who they thought would support the South African government and help it to stamp out unrest in the Eastern Cape.

On 19 February 1987, a truckload of Transkei special forces entered the Ciskeian capital Bisho, and unsuccessfully attacked the home of the Ciskei President, Chief Lennox Sebe.

[2] This together with resistance to the raid from elements within the Transkei, played an important role in the ascendance to power of Stella Sigcau and Brigadier Bantu Holomisa.

Ms Stella Sigcau was elected as the new prime minister, but the TDF took over the administration of the Transkei in a bloodless coup on 30 December 1987, after only 86 days.

Major General Holomisa declared martial law and suspended the Transkei constitution, alleging Ms. Sigcau had been involved in the corruption as well.

[3] In November 1990, a group of six white and black soldiers attempted to mount a coup, but they failed when troops loyal to Holomisa overcame the plotters.