Eric Louw

Eric Louw (1890-1968) was a South African politician and diplomat who served as Minister of External Affairs (later Minister of Foreign Affairs) from 1954 to 1964. He was a staunch proponent of apartheid and defended the policy internationally.

Louw was born in Jacobsdal, Orange Free State. He received his education at Victoria College (later Stellenbosch University) and the University of Cape Town, where he studied law. Before entering politics, he worked as a trade commissioner for South Africa in the United States and Europe.

He entered Parliament in 1924 as a member of the National Party. As Minister of External Affairs, he played a key role in defending South Africa's apartheid policies in the United Nations and other international forums. He was known for his combative style and his refusal to compromise on the issue of racial segregation. He argued that apartheid was a domestic matter and that international interference was unwarranted.

Louw's tenure as Minister of External Affairs was marked by increasing international isolation for South Africa due to its apartheid policies. He retired from politics in 1964.