Hendrik Verwoerd

Hendrik Verwoerd was a South African politician who served as Prime Minister from 1958 until his assassination in 1966. He is often called the "architect of apartheid" because he played a key role in developing and implementing the policy of racial segregation that divided South Africa's society legally and socially. Under his leadership, laws enforced the separation of races, restricting the rights of non-white South Africans. Verwoerd believed these policies were necessary to maintain what he considered order and stability. His tenure remains controversial, as his policies contributed to widespread inequality and human rights abuses.