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The present day Republic of South Africa was formerly known as Union of South Africa. Union of South Africa came into existence on 31 May 1990 when the separate colonies like Cape, Natal, Transvaal and Orange Free State become a part of it.
Features of Union of South Africa
The Union of South Africa was a unitary state and had a bicameral parliament that consisted of House of Assembly and Senate. The members of parliament of Union of South Africa were elected by white community of the country. Parliamentary supremacy was established and the Supreme Court was given the authority to intervene in the matters of constitution of South Africa.
Union of South Africa and Southern Rhodesia
A referendum was placed in 1922, which offered amalgamation of Southern Rhodesia with Union of South Africa. The referendum was placed because the people of Southern Rhodesia were either interested in membership in the Union of South Africa or wanted a responsible government in Rhodesia. When the referendum was held, British South Africa Company was in favor of the membership of Union of South Africa.
Union of South Africa and South West Africa
Union of South Africa annexed German colony of South West Africa in 1914. After the formation of League of Nations, Union of South Africa obtained the privilege of administrating South-West Africa, which subsequently became a province of the Union of South Africa.
Union of South Africa was first originated as a governing authority but afterward became Republic of South Africa on May 31, 1991.
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