Defence Minister Appointment
Is appointed minister of defence after Verwoerd's premiership.
Permanent historical records · Updated 2026-11-03
1966 in South Africa
Explore 24 historical events and records for South Africa in 1966.
Historical records for South Africa in 1966
Sorted by month and day. Records with no month are shown last. Showing 24 of 24 unique records.
24Unique records
1 of 1Page
15Named events on this page
7Named people on this page
4Places on this page
April
Defence Portfolio
Begins fourteen years directing South African defence policy.
July
Rule of Namibia
The World Court rules in South Africas favour for it to retain control
August
Rule of Namibia
The United Nations resolves the place South West Africa under United Nations control
September
Death of Hendrik Frensch Verwoerd
Death of Hendrik Verwoerd
Prime Minister of South Africa
Appointed Prime Minister of South Africa, acting
Prime Minister Appointment
Becomes prime minister after Hendrik Verwoerd's assassination.
Vorster Government Begins
Continues National Party rule during intensified regional conflict.
Assassination of Hendrik Frensch Verwoerd
A Parliamentary messenger stabs Verwoerd during a session in the House Assembly
Assassination of Hendrik Frensch Verwoerd
A Parliamentary messenger stabs Verwoerd during a session in the House Assembly
Death of Hendrik Frensch Verwoerd
Death of Hendrik Verwoerd, assassinated
October
Independence of Lesotho and Botswana
Lesotho is granted independence. Botswana is granted independence
Independence of South Africa
Lesotho is granted independence. Botswana is granted independence
Rule of Namibia
The OAU votes in favour of supporting United Nations control over South West Africa
Other events (month unknown)
Cape National Party Leadership
Becomes leader of the National Party in the Cape Province.
Education
Graduates with an MA in economics from Susses University
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.
Prime Minister of South Africa
Appointed Prime Minister of South Africa
Provincial Party Leadership
Builds a strong provincial base within the governing party.
Rule of Namibia
The United Nations revokes the South African mandate over Namibia
Rule of Namibia
The United Nations revokes the South African mandate over Namibia
Rule of Namibia
The United Nations resolves the place South West Africa under United Nations control. The United Nations revokes the South African mandate over Namibia
Rule of Namibia
The United Nations revokes the South African mandate over Namibia
How these records were prepared
Generated from the World History Database historical_events table. Identical display records are collapsed; descriptions otherwise retain the stored text. Coverage and source quality vary. Check primary and specialist sources before citing individual historical claims.