South Africas Government
The 20th century has produced several fundamental government changes in South Africa. In 1910 the Union of South Africa was formed as a largely autonomous dominion of Britain. ... By the 1931 Statute of Westminster, South Africa and other dominions within the British Commonwealth were proclaimed fully autonomous, gaining equality status with Britain. In 1961 South Africa then became a republic and left the Commonwealth. ... South Africa is a multi-party democracy. ... South Africa’s Chief of State is President Thabo Mbeki (since June 16, 1999). ... The President is also both the Chief of State and head of government. ... These members, which are appointed by the provincial legislatures, also serve five- year terms The third arm of the central government is an independent judiciary. ... The bill of rights also guarantees fundamental political and social rights of South Africas citizens. ... In the final constitution, the Government of National Unity is replaced by a majority government-an arrangement referred to by its critics as "winner-take-all" in national elections. ... Even before it was approved or implemented, the draft constitution had an immediate impact on the structure of government in 1996. Just one day after the draft had been completed by the Constitutional Assembly, the National Party declared its intention to resign from the Government of National Unity, effective June 30, 1996. In the weeks leading up to the NPs formal departure from the executive branch, NP leaders repeatedly tried to assure voters that the party would play a constructive role in politics as a loyal critic of the ANC-led government.