South African politician, prime minister 197884 and the first executive state president 198489. He was a staunch supporter of apartheid and made use of force both inside and outside South Africa to stifle African National Congress (ANC) party activity. After suffering a stroke in 1989, he unwillingly resigned both party leadership and presidency and was succeeded by F W de Klerk.
Green stands for agriculture. Red recalls the struggle for independence. White denotes peace. Yellow symbolizes mineral wealth. Effective date: April 1983.