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Frans Erasmus

1896 – 1967

South African politician

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About Frans Erasmus

Lived 1896 – 1967 (aged 70). Frans Erasmus was a South African politician, diplomat, lawyer and minister.

Career In 1927 he was appointed Deputy Attorney-General of South West Africa. He modernised the South African Defence Force by establishing the training gymnasiums for officers in the army, navy and air force.

He was widely considered to be incompetent This included the removal of items such as the Red Tabs and the retrenchment or firing of numerous English-speaking officers and the appointment of Afrikaner ones in their place.

He was appointed Minister of Justice in 1959, in the Hendrik Verwoerd cabinet.

Marriage Erasmus first married Christina Wiese of Melsetter in the then Southern Rhodesia. They had a son and a daughter. On 9 January 1946 he married Cornelia Margaretha (Corrie) Naudé of Lydenburg. They had three daughters.

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Important facts

Born
19 January 1896, Merweville
Birth century
19th century
Died
7 January 1967, Bredasdorp, South Africa
Occupation
Politician, diplomat, lawyer, minister
Nationality
South Africa, South African people
Education
University of Cape Town
Positions held
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Minister of Defence of South Africa
Also known as
Frans C. Erasmus, François Christiaan Erasmus

Contemporaries

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Frequently asked questions

Who was Frans Erasmus?

South African politician

When was Frans Erasmus born?

Frans Erasmus was born on 19 January 1896 in Merweville.

When did Frans Erasmus die?

Frans Erasmus died on 7 January 1967 in Bredasdorp, South Africa.

What was Frans Erasmus's occupation?

Frans Erasmus was a politician, diplomat, lawyer and minister.

What nationality was Frans Erasmus?

Frans Erasmus was South African.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Frans Erasmus

· Wikidata: Q3084260

· DBpedia: Frans Erasmus

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Frans Erasmus. https://biography.guide/frans-erasmus-politician/

MLA: "Frans Erasmus." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/frans-erasmus-politician/.

Chicago: "Frans Erasmus." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/frans-erasmus-politician/.

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