31 May 1910
Formation of the Union of South Africa
The Union of South Africa joined the Cape, Natal, Transvaal and Orange River colonies into one self-governing state within the British Empire.
View in timelineThe Union of South Africa joined the Cape, Natal, Transvaal and Orange River colonies into one self-governing state within the British Empire.
Significance
Union created a central state and national Parliament. Candidate eligibility and the provincial franchise systems concentrated representation among white men, while the Cape retained its limited qualified franchise for some Black and Coloured male voters.
Why it matters
Union created a central state and national Parliament under franchise and eligibility rules that concentrated representation among white men, while retaining the Cape's limited qualified non-racial franchise.