in 1960, verwoerd announced that he planned to hold a referendum in south africa on whether to remain a commonwealth realm under the british monarch's rule or become a republic. the south african parliament (a kind of legislature) voted to present the referendum to the people, and it was held in october. voters were asked if they wanted to remain under the british monarch's rule, or become a republic. 52% voted to change to a republic. south africa became a republic on may 31, 1961.