Jan Smuts became South African Prime Minister for the second time in 1939, following a split in the United Party. He appointed members of the United Party, Dominion Party and Labour Party to positions in his Cabinet.
Ministers First Smuts Cabinet The 1938 general election was won by the United Party, giving J. B. M. Hertzog a fourth consecutive term. In September 1939, the United Party was divided between supporters of Hertzog and those of his Justice Minister Jan Smuts. The split resulted from differences between supporters of neutrality in World War II and those who wanted South Africa to follow the United Kingdom and declare war against Nazi Germany. Finally, Hertzog was outvoted within the United Party and Parliament. He resigned his post as prime minister, allowing Jan Smuts to form a new government in coalition with the Dominion Party and Labour Party.
Party key United Party Dominion Party Labour Party
Office NameDatesPrime MinisterJan Smuts5 September 1939 – 7 July 1943Minister of DefenceMinister of Foreign AffairsMinister of Agriculture and ForestryWilliam Richard Collins5 September 1939 – 7 July 1943Minister of Commerce and IndustryRichard Stuttaford5 September 1939 – 1941Minister of Commerce and IndustrySidney Frank Waterson1941 – 7 July 1943Minister of EducationJan Hendrik Hofmeyr5 September 1939 – 7 July 1943Minister of FinanceMinister of the InteriorHarry Lawrence5 September 1939 – 7 July 1943Minister of Public HealthMinister of JusticeColin Fraser Steyn5 September 1939 – 7 July 1943Minister of LabourWalter Bayley Madeley5 September 1939 – 7 July 1943Minister of Social AffairsMinister of LandsAndrew Meintjes Conroy5 September 1939 – 7 July 1943Minister of MinesCharles Stallard5 September 1939 – 7 July 1943Minister of Native AffairsDeneys Reitz5 September 1939 – 7 July 1943Minister of Posts and TelegraphsCharles Francis Clarkson5 September 1939 – 7 July 1943Minister of Railways and HarboursFrederick Claud Sturrock5 September 1939 – 7 July 1943Minister without portfolioPieter Voltelyn Graham van der Byl5 September 1939 – 7 July 1943
Second Smuts Cabinet
See also Prime Minister of South Africa
References