- Title: South Africa: P W Botha Becomes Prime Minister
- Date: 28th September 1978
- Summary: Mr. Pieter W Botha, former Defence Minister, was elected Prime Minister in place of Mr. John Vorster who resigned, on health grounds, in September.
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- Location: SOUTH AFRICA PRETORIA
- Reuters ID: LDL00111276T7
- Aspect Ratio: 4:3
- Story Text:The South African House of Assembly has elected Mr John Vorster - the former Prime Minister - as its President.
SYNOPSIS: The voting took place on Friday (29 September). The new Prime Minister of South Africa, Mr. P. W. Botha watched as the House voted. Mr Vorster had resigned as leader of the National Party for health reasons. He was reported to be suffering from circulatory trouble and other ailments. His resignation precipitated what has been described as possibly the most bitterly fought battle for leadership in the Party's history. It's said that it will take a long time to overcome the effects of the fight.
Despite the factional fighting, Mr Vorster's election as President was all but unanimous. The result had been greeted by sustained cheers from the Assembly marking the esteem in which the 62 year old statesman is held by his colleagues. Under expected changes to the Constitution the role of President will be more substantial with an increased opportunity for affecting the direction of South African affairs. - Copyright Holder: Reuters Archive
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