South Africa becomes a republic

On 31 May 1961, the Republic of South Africa Constitution Act came into force. The Union of South Africa became the Republic of South Africa, the monarchy and office of Governor-General were replaced by a State President, and references to the Crown in existing law were transferred to the new republican institutions.

The change implemented the result of the October 1960 referendum. It retained the parliamentary system, provincial structure and much of the existing constitutional administration. The government’s separate attempt to retain Commonwealth membership had been withdrawn in March, so membership ended when the republic commenced.

Significance

The 1961 Constitution changed South Africa’s form of state and international alignment while preserving substantial institutional continuity with the Union.