Representation of Natives Act

The Representation of Natives Act of 1936 in South Africa was a significant piece of legislation that altered the political landscape for Black Africans. This act removed Black voters in the Cape Province from the common voters' roll, effectively disenfranchising them from direct participation in general elections.1

Instead, Black Africans were allowed to vote on a separate roll to elect three white representatives to the House of Assembly. This move was part of a broader trend of increasing racial segregation in South Africa, which aimed to consolidate white minority rule and control the Black population. The act was a culmination of efforts to address the "native question" and regulate race relations during a period of industrialization and growing Black urbanization.1