Johannes Gerhardus Strijdom (also spelled Strydom in accordance with Afrikaans spelling; 14 July 1893 – 24 August 1958[1]), also known as Hans Strijdom and nicknamed the Lion of the North or the Lion of Waterberg,[2][3] was a South African politician and the fifth prime minister of South Africa from 30 November 1954 to his death on 24 August 1958.

He owned businesses and shops right down to the Gamtoos valley (birthplace of the well-known Khoi woman Saartjie Baartman).

In 1929, Strijdom was elected to the House of Assembly as MP for Waterberg, representing the National Party (NP) headed by General J.B.M.

Strijdom was also leader of the NP in Transvaal, by far the most important province of South Africa, and as such had a strong power base.

[citation needed] Malan tried his best to ensure the more moderate Nicolaas Havenga succeeded him as prime minister, rather than Strijdom.

However, Strijdom was popular among NP party members and people trusted him to push things smoothly forward towards a republic, something Malan was considered to be only lukewarm about as it would enrage the United Kingdom and jeopardise South Africa's international standing.

During Strijdom's term as prime minister, he began moves to sever ties with the British monarchy,[19] and deepened the Afrikaner ascendency in South Africa, while strengthening the policy of apartheid, including through the Group Areas Development Act.

[5][21][22] The extended Treason Trial of 156 activists (including Nelson Mandela) involved in the Freedom Charter, happened during Strijdom's term in office.

He died on 24 August 1958 in Cape Town and was succeeded by Hendrik Verwoerd as head of the NP, securing the radical faction's drive towards a complete break with Britain and abolition of the Union in 1961.

[citation needed] In Johannesburg, there is a suburb and a street named after Strijdom, although the spelling "Strydom" is also used, even if a couple have already been renamed, one being Malibongwe Drive.