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South African politician who served as the Prime Minister of South Africa from 1966 to 1978 and fourth State President of South Africa from 1978 to 1979.
Vorster strongly adhered to his country's policy of apartheid.
As Minister of Justice he oversaw the Rivonia Trial, in which Nelson Mandela was sentenced to life imprisonment for sabotage.
As Prime Minister he introduced the Terrorism Act which saw, the complete abolition of non-white political representation.
He was also Prime Minister during the the Soweto Riots and the Steve Biko crisis.
Shortly after the 1978 Internal Settlement in Rhodesia, in which he was instrumental, he was implicated in the Muldergate Scandal. He resigned the premiership in favour of the ceremonial state presidency, from which he was forced out as well eight months later.