Eben Donges was born on 8 March 1898 in the town of Klerksdorp,[2] the youngest son of Theophilus C. Dönges, a minister of religion.

When he returned from London, he became active in the National Party and joined its mouthpiece, Die Burger, as a journalist.

[2]: 698  When the National Party won power in 1948, he joined the cabinet as Minister of Posts and Telegraphs.

[2]: 698  After Verwoerd's assassination, Dönges, as a senior member of the Cabinet, became acting Prime Minister on 6 September 1966 until a National Party congress named B. J. Vorster to succeed to the premiership.

Swart on his retirement on 1 June 1967, but suffered a stroke and fell into a coma before he could take office.