# Marais Viljoen > South African politician (1915-2007) **Wikidata**: [Q359566](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q359566) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marais_Viljoen) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/marais-viljoen ## Summary Marais Viljoen was a South African politician who served as the last ceremonial State President of South Africa from 1979 to 1984. He was a member of the National Party and held various ministerial positions before becoming president during the apartheid era. ## Biography - Born: 2 December 1915 - Nationality: South African - Education: University of Cape Town - Known for: Serving as State President of South Africa (1979-1984) - Employer(s): South African government (various ministerial positions) - Field(s): Politics, government administration ## Contributions Marais Viljoen's political career included serving in multiple ministerial positions within the South African government before becoming State President in 1979. As State President, he held a largely ceremonial role during a period when executive power remained with the Prime Minister. His tenure coincided with the final years of the apartheid system, during which he represented South Africa in various diplomatic capacities. Viljoen received the Order of Good Hope, South Africa's highest civilian honor, in recognition of his service to the nation. ## FAQs **What was Marais Viljoen's role as State President?** As State President from 1979 to 1984, Viljoen held a ceremonial position with limited executive powers, while the Prime Minister retained actual governmental authority during South Africa's apartheid era. **What political positions did Marais Viljoen hold before becoming president?** Before his presidency, Viljoen served in various ministerial positions within the National Party government, though specific ministries are not detailed in the available source material. **What is the Order of Good Hope?** The Order of Good Hope is South Africa's highest civilian honor, which Viljoen received in recognition of his service to the nation. **When did Marais Viljoen serve as State President?** Viljoen served as State President from 1979 to 1984, making him the last person to hold this ceremonial position before the office was abolished. ## Why They Matter Marais Viljoen's presidency represents the final chapter of South Africa's State President system before the transition to the executive presidency model. His tenure occurred during a critical period of apartheid history, bridging the gap between the old parliamentary system and the eventual reforms that would transform South African governance. As a National Party politician who received the Order of Good Hope, Viljoen exemplified the establishment leadership of his era while serving in a position that would soon become obsolete in South Africa's evolving political landscape. ## Notable For - Last ceremonial State President of South Africa (1979-1984) - Recipient of the Order of Good Hope - National Party politician with multiple ministerial positions - Served during the final years of apartheid-era governance - Represented South Africa in diplomatic capacities as State President ## Body ### Early Life and Education Marais Viljoen was born on 2 December 1915 in South Africa. He pursued higher education at the University of Cape Town, one of Africa's oldest and most prestigious institutions, which has produced numerous notable alumni including entrepreneurs, scientists, and astronauts. ### Political Career Viljoen's political career was primarily associated with the National Party, which governed South Africa during the apartheid era. Before ascending to the presidency, he held various ministerial positions within the government, though the specific ministries are not detailed in the available source material. His political experience in these roles prepared him for the ceremonial presidency. ### Presidency (1979-1984) As State President from 1979 to 1984, Viljoen occupied what was essentially a figurehead position. During this period, executive power remained with the Prime Minister, making the State President's role largely ceremonial. His presidency coincided with the final years of the apartheid system, a time of increasing international pressure and internal resistance against racial segregation policies. ### Diplomatic Role In his capacity as State President, Viljoen represented South Africa in various diplomatic contexts. The State President traditionally served as the nation's formal head of state for international protocol purposes, even though actual policy decisions were made by the Prime Minister and cabinet. ### Recognition and Honors Viljoen was awarded the Order of Good Hope, established on 22 February 1973, which represents South Africa's highest civilian honor. This recognition acknowledged his service to the nation throughout his political career, particularly his role as State President during a challenging period in South African history. ### Historical Context Viljoen's presidency occurred during a transformative period in South African history. The State President position he held was abolished in 1984 when South Africa transitioned to a new constitution that created the executive presidency. This change marked the end of the parliamentary system that had existed since 1910 and represented a significant restructuring of South African governance, though it did not immediately end apartheid policies. ### Legacy As the last ceremonial State President, Viljoen represents the final iteration of a particular model of South African governance. His tenure bridges the gap between the traditional parliamentary system and the eventual reforms that would transform the country's political structure. While his role was largely ceremonial, his position as head of state during this period places him within the historical narrative of South Africa's transition from its segregationist past toward eventual democratic reforms. ## References 1. Database of Cabinet Politics in Sub-Sahara Africa 2. Encyclopædia Britannica Online 3. Find a Grave 4. GeneaStar 5. Munzinger Personen 6. [Source](http://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/marais-viljoen-dies-of-heart-failure-1.309793#.UpUhCKWs3wI) 7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013