State President of South Africa

The State President of the Republic of South Africa (Afrikaans: Staatspresident van die Republiek van Suid-Afrika) was the head of state of South Africa from 1961 to 1994, and also head of government from 1984 to 1994. The office was established when the country became a republic on 31 May 1961, outside the Commonwealth of Nations, and Queen Elizabeth II ceased to be Queen of South Africa. The position of Governor-General was accordingly abolished. From 1961 to 1984, the post was largely ceremonial. After constitutional reforms enacted in 1983 and taking effect in 1984, the State President became an executive post, and its holder was both head of state and head of government.

The State President was appointed by both Houses of the Parliament of South Africa (the Senate and House of Assembly) meeting jointly in the form of an electoral college for this purpose.

The office was abolished in 1994, with the end of Apartheid and the transition to democratic majority rule. Since then, the head of state and head of government has been known simply as the President of South Africa.

Prior to 1981, the President of the Senate had a dormant commission to act as State President whenever the State Presidency was vacant. This was often the case from 1967 to 1979.