Balthazar Johannes Vorster Biography and Timeline

Law Studies at Stellenbosch

Vorster studied law at Stellenbosch University, where he became involved in Afrikaner political and cultural circles.

Afrikaner Nationalist Activism Grows

Vorster became active in Afrikaner nationalism during a period of political disagreement over South Africa's place within the British Commonwealth.

Opposition to Allied War Effort

Vorster opposed South Africa's participation in the Second World War on the Allied side and associated with antiwar Afrikaner nationalism.

Arrest of Balthazar Johannes Vorster

Arrested for opposing South African support of the Allies

Role range: 1939-1945

Internment at Koffiefontein

The South African authorities interned Vorster at Koffiefontein because of his activities in the pro German Ossewabrandwag movement.

Political Career Resumes After Internment

After his release from wartime internment Vorster resumed legal and political activity within Afrikaner nationalist networks.

Parliamentary Seat Won

Vorster entered the House of Assembly as a National Party member for Nigel and began his rise through national politics.

Deputy Minister Appointment

Vorster joined the national executive as a deputy minister with responsibilities involving education and social welfare.

Minister of Justice

Appointed Minister of Justice

Security Powers Strengthened

As minister of justice Vorster promoted strict internal security measures directed against opponents of apartheid.

Sabotage Legislation Introduced

Vorster's justice ministry advanced sweeping sabotage provisions that gave the state broader powers to punish resistance activities.

Detention Without Trial Expanded

Government security legislation under Vorster permitted prolonged detention and interrogations targeting suspected antiapartheid activists.

Rivonia Trial Security Context

Vorster supervised the justice and security apparatus while leading antiapartheid activists received prison sentences following the Rivonia Trial.

Domestic Security Policy Hardened

Vorster's administration of the justice portfolio maintained severe restrictions on banned political movements and political dissent.

Prime Minister Appointment

Becomes prime minister after Hendrik Verwoerd's assassination.

Role range: 1966-1978

Vorster Government Begins

Continues National Party rule during intensified regional conflict.

Role range: 1966-1978

Rule of Namibia

The OAU votes in favour of supporting United Nations control over South West Africa

Role range: 1966-1978

Prime Minister of South Africa

Appointed Prime Minister of South Africa

Role range: 1966-1978

National Party Leadership Secured

After Hendrik Verwoerd's assassination National Party parliamentarians selected Vorster to succeed him as prime minister.

Prime Minister Cabinet Formed

Vorster formed a new government that preserved apartheid while pursuing a more flexible diplomatic style with neighbouring states.

ANC

The ANC makes an alliance with ZAPU for armed struggle against Rhodesia & South Africa. Agrees an alliance with Rhodesia to help in the armed struggle against the ANC & ZAPU

Role range: 1966-1978

Alliance ANC and ZAPU for armed struggle

The ANC makes an alliance with ZAPU for armed struggle against Rhodesia & South Africa. Agrees an alliance with Rhodesia to help in the armed struggle against the ANC & ZAPU

Role range: 1966-1978

Reception of The Prime Minister of Lesotho

Vorster receives the Prime Minister of Lesotho, Chief Leabua Jonathan. Vorster receives the Prime Minister of Lesotho. South Africa & Malawi establish formal diplomatic ties

Role range: 1966-1978

Alliance ANC and ZAPU for armed struggle

The ANC makes an alliance with ZAPU for armed struggle against Rhodesia & South Africa. Agrees an alliance with Rhodesia to help in the armed struggle against the ANC & ZAPU. Vorster agrees an alliance with the white regime in Rhodesia & sends in police

Role range: 1966-1978

Rule of Namibia

The United Nations makes an unsccessful attempt to take control of South West Africa

Role range: 1966-1978

Diplomatic Outreach to African States

Vorster pursued limited contacts with independent African governments as part of his policy of outward looking regional diplomacy.

Independence of South Africa

Swaziland is granted independence

Role range: 1966-1978

Independence of Swaziland

Swaziland is granted independence

Role range: 1966-1978

Apartheid Sports Policy Defended

Vorster defended racially restrictive sporting policies while international sporting organisations increased pressure on South Africa.

Rule of Namibia

South Africa ignores the United Nations mandate to relinquish its control over South West Africa

Role range: 1966-1978

Namibia Administration Disputed

Vorster's government rejected international challenges to South Africa's continued administration of South West Africa.

Election

Loses 8 seats to rival parties

Role range: 1966-1978

Visit to To Malawi

Vorster pays an official visit to Malawi

Role range: 1966-1978

Visit to To Malawi

Vorster pays an official visit to Malawi. Lesotho pledges its support to the liberation strugle in South Africa

Role range: 1966-1978

National Party Election Victory

Vorster retained the premiership after the National Party won another parliamentary majority under the apartheid electoral system.

Conference of OAU

The OAU reject dialogue with South Africa

Role range: 1966-1978

Rule of Namibia

The World Court rules that South Africas presence in South West Africa is unlawful

Role range: 1966-1978

Vorster exposes Zambias secret relations with South Africa

Vorster exposes Zambias secret relations with South Africa

Role range: 1966-1978

Namibia Court Opinion Rejected

Vorster's government resisted an International Court of Justice advisory opinion finding South Africa's presence in Namibia unlawful.

Commission

The Schlebusch Commision is set up to investigate liberal student bodies

Role range: 1966-1978