Viljoen Family Genealogy & History

Marais Viljoen served as the last ceremonial State President of South Africa from June 4, 1979, until September 3, 1984. Before his presidency, Viljoen held roles such as the President of the Senate and acting State President. Known as a relatively moderate member of the National Party, he assumed the presidency following B.J. Vorster's resignation due to the Muldergate Scandal. His tenure concluded when P.W. Botha restructured the role into an executive position, marking the end of Viljoen's ceremonial presidency. Viljoen's influence extended beyond politics, as he was featured on the 1985 1 Rand coin, symbolizing his lasting legacy.

Marais Viljoen was the youngest of six children born to Magdalena Debora "Lenie" (de Villiers) and Gabriel Francois Viljoen. He married Dorothea Maria Brink in 1940, and they had one daughter, Elizabeth Magdalena (Elna) Viljoen. His early life in Cape Town and career beginnings at the Post Office and Die Transvaler newspaper shaped his path into politics.

Constand Laubscher Viljoen (1933–2020) was a prominent South African Army officer and politician, known for his significant contributions to military and political spheres. He served as Chief of the South African Defence Force from 1980 and played a pivotal role in directing Operation Savannah and planning the Battle of Cassinga. Viljoen co-founded the Afrikaner Volksfront and later established the Freedom Front, advocating for Afrikaner interests during South Africa's transition to democracy. His strategic decision to contest the 1994 elections helped prevent potential conflict, earning him recognition for promoting peaceful change.

Hardus Viljoen, born GC Viljoen on March 6, 1989, is a South African professional cricketer renowned for his skills as a right-arm fast bowler. He made his mark in international cricket by taking the wicket of England captain Alastair Cook with his first ball in Test cricket, becoming the 20th player to achieve this feat. Viljoen has played for various teams, including the South African national team, Lions, Kent, Derbyshire, and Kings XI Punjab. His career highlights include notable performances in the 2016 County Championship and participation in the Mzansi Super League and the Indian Premier League.

Gerrit Van Niekerk Viljoen was a prominent South African political figure known for his influential roles within the National Party. Serving as Minister of Education from 1980 to 1989 and Minister of Constitutional Development from 1989 to 1992, he played a crucial part in shaping South Africa's educational and constitutional landscape. Viljoen was also the chair of the Broederbond between 1974 and 1980 and participated in the CODESA negotiations, advocating for "group rights" to protect various South African communities, including the white minority. His career highlights include being Administrator-General of South West Africa and engaging in pivotal discussions with the African National Congress.

Born in Cape Town in 1926, Gerrit Viljoen was the son of Helena and Hendrik Geldenhuys Viljoen, who was the editor of Huisgenoot magazine. His educational path included Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool and the University of Pretoria, later advancing his studies in classical literature and philosophy at the Universities of Cambridge and Leiden. Gerrit's academic accomplishments led him to a significant role as vice-chancellor of the Rand Afrikaans University in 1967. He was a father to seven children, carrying forward his family's legacy.