Jim Fouché facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jacobus Johannes Fouché, DMS
|
|
|---|---|
Jacobus Johannes Fouché in 1968
|
|
| 2nd State President of South Africa | |
| In office 10 April 1968 – 9 April 1975 |
|
| Prime Minister | B. J. Vorster |
| Preceded by | Tom Naudé (acting) |
| Succeeded by | Nicolaas Johannes Diederichs |
| Minister of Defence | |
| In office 14 December 1959 – 1 April 1966 |
|
| Prime Minister | Hendrik Verwoerd B. J. Vorster |
| Preceded by | Frans Erasmus |
| Succeeded by | P. W. Botha |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 6 June 1898 Wepener, Orange Free State (now Free State, South Africa) |
| Died | 23 September 1980 (aged 82) Cape Town, Cape Province, South Africa |
| Political party | National |
| Spouse |
Letta McDonald
(m. 1920) |
| Children | 2 |
| Nickname | Jim |
Jacobus Johannes "Jim" Fouché (born 6 June 1898, died 23 September 1980) was an important South African politician. He served as the second state president of South Africa from 1968 to 1975. People also knew him as J. J. Fouché.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Jacobus Johannes Fouché was born in 1898 in the Orange Free State. At that time, it was a Boer republic. Later, it became a British colony in 1902 and then a province of South Africa in 1910. He went to high school at Paarl Boys' High School.
After high school, he studied at Victoria College in Stellenbosch. He later earned an Honours degree and a D.Phil (Doctor of Philosophy) from Stellenbosch University in 1966.
Political Career
Fouché was a successful farmer before he entered politics. He was a strong supporter of the idea of a republic for South Africa. He was a member of the National Party for many years.
He was first elected to the House of Assembly, which was like a parliament, in 1941. He represented the area of Smithfield until 1950. Later, he was an MP (Member of Parliament) for Bloemfontein West from 1960 to 1968.
Roles in Government
Fouché held several important jobs in the government:
- From 1950 to 1959, he was the Administrator of the Orange Free State. This role was like a provincial governor.
- He then joined the Cabinet, which is a group of top government ministers.
- He served as the Minister of Defence from 1959 to 1966. This meant he was in charge of the country's military.
- From 1966 to 1968, he was the Minister of Agricultural Technical Services and Water Affairs.
State President
In 1968, Jacobus Johannes Fouché was chosen to be the State President. He became the ceremonial head of state for South Africa. He was the only State President to complete a full term in office, serving from 1968 to 1975.
Family Life
Jacobus Johannes Fouché married Letta Rhoda McDonald. People often called her 'Lettie'. She was a white woman of Anglo-African and Scots background.
Recognitions and Honours
Fouché received several honours for his service:
- He was given the South African Decoration for Meritorious Services.
- He also received the Paraguayan National Order of Merit.
- He was an honorary colonel of the Regiment President Steyn.
On Coins
Jacobus Johannes Fouché's image appeared on South African coins. You can find his picture on the 1976 1/2 Cent to 50 Cents coins of the South African rand.
See also
- Jacobus Johannes Fouché para niños (In Spanish)
