Prime Minister of South Africa

The Prime Minister of South Africa (Afrikaans: Premier or Eerste Minister van Suid-Afrika) was the head of government in South Africa between 1910 and 1984, as the leader of the largest party in the House of Assembly.

The South African monarch was the head of state, until 1961, when the non-executive State President of South Africa assumed that role, following South Africa's departure from the Commonwealth of Nations, and the establishment of a republic.

The position of Prime Minister was abolished in 1984, when the State President was given executive powers after a new constitution was adopted. After 1994, the President's position was infused with many of the dependencies of the former Prime Minister's position.

In post-Apartheid South Africa, the Inkatha Freedom Party has called for a return to Westminster-style split executive with a Prime Minister, as part of its overarching goal of avoiding a single party South African state.

Read more about Prime Minister Of South Africa:  List of Prime Ministers of South Africa (1910–1984)

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