Verwoerd, Hendrik Frensch

Verwoerd, Hendrik Frensch ( 1901 – 66 )
South African statesman. As Minister of Native Affairs ( 1950 – 58 ) he was responsible for establishing the policy of apartheid . He became Nationalist Party leader and Prime Minister ( 1958 – 66 ). During his government, in the aftermath of the Sharpeville massacre , South Africa became a republic and left the Commonwealth. Harsh measures were taken to silence Black opposition, including the banning of the African National Congress . He was assassinated in Parliament.