Vice State President of South Africa facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Vice State President of South Africa
Coat of Arms of South Africa
Formation	1 January 1981
First holder	Alwyn Schlebusch
Final holder	Alwyn Schlebusch
Abolished	14 September 1984
Succession	Deputy President of South Africa

The Vice State President of South Africa (called Vise-Staatspresident in Afrikaans) was a special job in the South African government. This position only existed for a short time, from 1981 to 1984. Only one person ever held this role: Alwyn Schlebusch.

Understanding the Vice State President Role

Why the Position Was Created

The job of Vice State President was created in 1981. This happened because South Africa was making big changes to its government rules, known as constitutional reforms. As part of these changes, the old Senate (a type of parliament) was removed.

Instead of the Senate, a new group called the President's Council was formed. The Vice State President was the leader of this council. The council's main job was to help write a brand new constitution for the country.

Why the Position Ended

The role of Vice State President was removed on 14 September 1984. This happened when the 1983 Constitution officially started.

The new constitution combined two important jobs into one. It brought together the ceremonial role of the State President (who was like a head of state) and the job of the Prime Minister (who led the government). This created a powerful new executive position. Because of this change, there was no longer a need for a Vice State President.

The Next Important Role

Later, in 1994, a new executive position was created. This was the Deputy President of South Africa. This role is similar to a vice president in other countries.

People Who Held the Vice State President Job

This section shows the only person who served as the Vice State President of South Africa.

Political Party

      National Party

See also

• State President of South Africa