They were called one year earlier than scheduled by Prime Minister John Vorster on 4 February.

In addition to Helen Suzman, re-elected for Houghton, five other members won seats including the party leader Colin Eglin.

The election also saw Harry Schwarz, leader of the United Party in the Transvaal, enter Parliament.

The members of the House of Assembly were elected in single-member constituencies via first-past-the-post voting.

[3] The elections for the Senate were held on 30 May 1974 by an electoral college made up of members of the Assembly and various others.