Born on 25 July 1955 in Mqanduli, Transkei, Bantubonke “Bantu” Holomisa is the son of Chief Bazindlovu Holomisa, a member of the Transkei Legislative Assembly. He attended Upper Ngqungqu Primary in Mqanduli and later matriculated from Jongilizwe College, a prestigious school for the sons of chiefs and headmen, in 1975. At 19, he joined the Transkei Defence Force in 1976 and earned his commission in 1978. By April 1987, he became Commander of the Transkei Defence Force, and on 30 December 1987, he led a bloodless coup ousting Prime Minister Stella Sigcau - declaring martial law and chairing the Military Council until Transkei’s reintegration into South Africa in 1994. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi is in conversation with UDM Leader and Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Bantu Holomisa.