Marais Viljoen was a South African politician who served as the President of South Africa from 1979 to 1984. Born on December 2, 1919, in the small town of Potchefstroom, he was a member of the National Party, which supported apartheid policies. His early education took place in Potchefstroom and later at the University of the Witwatersrand, where he studied law.

Viljoen's political career began in the 1950s, when he was elected as a member of the South African Parliament. He quickly rose through the ranks of the National Party, holding various positions including Minister of Finance and Minister of Home Affairs. His influence in the party grew as he became known for his administrative skills and his support for the apartheid government's policies.

In 1979, he was appointed as the President of South Africa, succeeding the outgoing President, B.J. Vorster. Viljoen's presidency was marked by his role in implementing the policies of the National Party during a period of growing domestic and international criticism of apartheid. His tenure as president was largely ceremonial, with real political power resting with Prime Minister Pieter Botha.

Viljoen’s presidency came to an end in 1984, when he was succeeded by his successor in the role of state president. After his presidency, he retired from active politics but continued to be involved in various public and private sector roles.

Marais Viljoen passed away on March 4, 1999, in Johannesburg, South Africa. His legacy remains controversial due to his role in supporting the apartheid regime, a system that has since been widely condemned for its racial segregation and discrimination.

REFERENCE:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marais_Viljoen