Following the end of the second Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902), the British annexed the former independent Dutch States in South Africa like the Orange Free State and the South African Republic ending the rule of independent Dutch states in the area. Furthermore, by 1914, the beginning of the war, South Africa had already become a union of the four British colonies in the area, the Orange River colony (Former Orange Free State), Cape Colony, Natal colony, and Transvaal colony (Former South African Republic) in 1910. This meant that South Africa was a British Dominion, run by a pro-British government, like Canada or Australia, and thus a member of the British Empire and beholden to the obligations of all commonwealth nations of the time. Unfortunately I am not knowledgable on the topic to answer your specific questions regarding Jan Smuts, but I hoped I have at least provided enough information so that you understand South Africa's position in 1914!