South African politician, prime minister 197884 and the first executive state president 198489. He was a staunch supporter of apartheid and made use of force both inside and outside South Africa to stifle African National Congress (ANC) party activity. After suffering a stroke in 1989, he unwillingly resigned both party leadership and presidency and was succeeded by F W de Klerk.
Green and red replaced blue and white as the national colours in 1910. The armillary sphere surrounds the shield of Portugal. Effective date: 30 June 1911.