<P> A referendum on becoming a republic was held in South Africa on 5 October 1960 . The Afrikaner - dominated right - wing National Party , which had come to power in 1948 , was avowedly republican , and regarded the position of Queen Elizabeth II as head of state as a relic of British imperialism . The National Party government subsequently organised the referendum on whether the then Union of South Africa should become a republic . The vote , which was restricted to whites , was narrowly approved by 52.29 % of the voters . The Republic of South Africa was constituted on 31 May 1961 . </P>
<P> A referendum on becoming a republic was held in South Africa on 5 October 1960 . The Afrikaner - dominated right - wing National Party , which had come to power in 1948 , was avowedly republican , and regarded the position of Queen Elizabeth II as head of state as a relic of British imperialism . The National Party government subsequently organised the referendum on whether the then Union of South Africa should become a republic . The vote , which was restricted to whites , was narrowly approved by 52.29 % of the voters . The Republic of South Africa was constituted on 31 May 1961 . </P>
on which date south africa become a democratic republic
on which date south africa become a democratic republic
31 May 1961
31 May 1961