1959 in South Africa

Events

December

• 5 April - Pan-Africanist Congress led by Robert Sobukwe secede from the African National Congress
• 9 July - The record for the London-Cape Town flight is set by Wing Commander MJ Beetham flying a Royal Air Force Vickers Valiant, completing the journey in 11 hours 27 minutes
• 12 December - The 47th Annual Conference of the African National Congress is held in Durban

Unknown date

• Members of the United Party led by Helen Suzman seceded and formed the Progressive Party
• Sewsunker "Papwa" Sewgolum, an Indian golfer, wins the Dutch Open tournament
• Lucas Cornelius Steyn is appointed the 10th Governor-General of the Union of South Africa
• Charles Robberts Swart is appointed the 11th Governor-General of the Union of South Africa

Births

• 16 March - Tito Mboweni, politician