In today's world, Nico Diederichs has become a topic of great relevance and interest among a wide public. From its origins to its impact on contemporary society, Nico Diederichs has captured the attention of academics, professionals and enthusiasts alike. With a rich and complex history, Nico Diederichs has evolved over the years, influencing different aspects of everyday life and playing a crucial role in numerous areas. In this article, we will thoroughly explore the importance of Nico Diederichs and its influence in various fields, from culture to economics, politics and technology.
Nicolaas Johannes Diederichs | |
---|---|
3rd State President of South Africa | |
In office 19 April 1975 – 21 August 1978 | |
Prime Minister | Johannes Vorster |
Preceded by | Jacobus Fouché Jan de Klerk (acting) |
Succeeded by | Marais Viljoen (acting) Johannes Vorster |
Minister of Finance | |
In office 1967–1975 | |
Preceded by | Ebenhaezer Dönges |
Succeeded by | Owen Horwood |
Personal details | |
Born | Ladybrand, Orange River Colony (now in South Africa) | 17 November 1903
Died | 21 August 1978 Cape Town, South Africa | (aged 74)
Citizenship | South African |
Political party | National Party |
Spouse | Marga Potgieter (1908–1996) |
Children | 4 |
Alma mater | University of Munich University of Cologne Leiden University |
Nickname | Nico |
Nicolaas Johannes "Nico" Diederichs (17 November 1903 – 21 August 1978) served as the third state president of South Africa from 1975 to 1978.
After completing school, he attended Grey University College between 1921 and 1925 where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts (Dutch & Ethics) and Master of Arts (Philosophy).: 1 As an economist, he educated himself overseas at universities in Munich, Cologne, Berlin and Leiden, obtaining a doctorate from the University of Leiden and a D.Litt degree.: 1 Resuming a career in South Africa, he became a lecturer and later a professor at the University of the Orange Free State, in Political Science and Philosophy.: 1 During the 1930s and 1940s he became a prominent figure in Afrikaner nationalist circles. He founded the Reddingsdaadbond organisation to promote the economic wellbeing of Afrikaners.: 1
After visiting the country in 1938, Diederichs became a staunch admirer of Nazi Germany.
Diederichs was a National Party member of Parliament from 1953 to 1975. He served as Minister of Economic Affairs from 1958 to 1967, as Minister of Mines from 1961 to 1964, and as Minister of Finance from 1967 to 1975.: 2 In the latter capacity he became known as "Mr Gold".: 3 He served as the first chancellor of the Rand Afrikaans University: 5 and ceremonial State President of South Africa from 1975 until his death, after a short illness, of a heart attack on 21 August 1978 in Cape Town.
Diederichs was honoured with medals from various countries. he was awarded a gold medal from the City of Paris (1971), made a Knight of the Greater Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic in 1973 and an Order of Merit from Paraguay in 1974.: 4 He was awarded honoury doctoral degrees from the Universities of the Orange Free State and Stellenbosch.: 4
He is depicted on the obverses of the 1979 coins of the South African rand from 1/2 Cent to 1 Rand, which was struck as a memorial commemorative series.
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