Verwoerd, Hendrik Frensch

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Verwoerd, Hendrik Frensch (1901–66) South African statesman, prime minister (1958–66), b. Holland. A vocal advocate of apartheid, he promoted the policy of “separate development” (physical separation) of the races. In 1961, Verwoerd led South Africa out of the Commonwealth of Nations. He was assassinated by a white extremist. Verwoerd was succeeded as prime minister by Johannes Vorster.

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