The decree gave absolute power to the monarchy and banned organised political opposition to royal rule.

"We thought the decree gave us protection against raiders, and it was at the beginning," he said.

The decree gives Government decisions the same status as a vote by corporate shareholders.

The decree also gives the authorities sweeping powers to curb unrest.

But in November 1994, a new decree gave the district administration priority in allocating fishing rights.

The decree gives the government special powers to put troops in the street to monitor protests.

A second decree of 3 March 1573 gave concrete organisation to the nascent institution.

The decree gives citizens of Transkei until September to comment on the referendum proposals, after which a date would be set for the vote.

This decree defined a broad range of conduct as suspicious in the vaguest terms, and did not give individuals any means of redress.

The decree of March 15, 1985 gives the direction, control and operation of all ports of the Republic.