The Events that Occurred  in 1967 in South Africa

Who was the president of South Africa in 1967?

The 1967 South African presidential election pitted Theophilus Ebenhaezer Dönges against Major Pieter Voltelyn Graham van der Byl. In accordance with the South African Constitution of 1961, the South African Parliament had the task of electing a person as State President, the ceremonial head of state. On January 19, 1967, the caucus of parliamentarians from the National Party proposed Dönges to succeed Charles Robberts Swart as State President. In the group, he won against Jan de Klerk and against Jacobus Johannes Fouché, who was elected the South African head of state a year later in 1968. Dönges was elected as State President on February 26 with 163 votes in the second round against 52 votes for van der Byl, the United Party candidate.

What happened in Africa in the 60’s?

The Sharpeville massacre in South Africa took place on 21 March 1960, triggering mass underground resistance as well as international solidarity demonstrations. This event is sometimes cited as the beginning of worldwide struggle against apartheid.

When did the first white man arrive in South Africa?

The first European settlement in southern Africa was established by the Dutch East India Company in Table Bay (Cape Town) in 1652. Created to supply passing ships with fresh produce, the colony grew rapidly as Dutch farmers settled to grow crops.

Who started apartheid in South Africa?

September 6, 1966. Called the ‘Architect of the Apartheid’ Hendrik Verwoerd was Prime Minister as leader of the National Party from 1958-66 and was key in shaping the implementation of apartheid policy.

What was going on in South Africa in 1963?

The Rivonia Trial took place between 1963 and 1964, when 12 members of the African National Congress (ANC) were accused under the 1962 Sabotage Act, with sabotage and attempting to violently overthrow the South African government – crimes that carried the death penalty.