Frederik Willem de Klerk, the former President of South Africa from 1989 to 1994 who oversaw the country’s transition from apartheid, has died aged 85.
De Klerk was diagnosed with mesothelioma – a cancer that affects the lining of the lungs – in March of this year, and was undergoing an immunotherapy treatment to battle the illness.
In a statement, the spokesperson for the FW de Klerk Foundation confirmed that the ex-president had died this morning.
“It’s with deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of former President FW de Klerk at Fresnaye, after a long battle against mesothelioma.
Elita his wife, Jan and Susan, as well as several grandchildren, survived the president.
De Klerk secured his place in history by announcing Mandela’s release after 27 years imprisonment and lifting the ban on black liberation movements. This effectively declared the end of white-minority rule.
“I hope history will recognize that together with all my supporters, I have displayed courage, integrity and honesty in the moment when truth was revealed.” De Klerk stated that we made the right decision.
Frederik Willem de Klerk (pictured in 2018), was the ex-President of South Africa between 1989 and 1994. He oversaw South Africa’s transformation from apartheid.
Elita Georgdes and FW de Klerk, former president of South Africa, at the FW de Klerk Foundation conference held in Johannesburg (July 25, 2012.)
File photo of Nelson Mandela, President African National Congress (R), greeting Frederik Willemde Klerk, South Africa’s State President (L), shortly after arriving at The World Trade Centre for the summit to discuss ways to stop political violence
De Klerk was born in Johannesburg on March 18, 1936. His father was a well-known politician, and he was keen to continue his father’s legacy.
After receiving a degree in law from Potchefstroom University, he established an enviable law firm that served as his springboard to current affairs and politics.
In 1972, he was elected as an independent member of South Africa’s National Party to the Parliament. He quickly became a star in his field, overseeing many departments such as mines, energy, planning and internal affairs.
In 1986, he was elected to the House of Assembly. After Pieter Willem Botha, the sitting president, fell ill early 1989, De Klerk was made the President of South Africa, on September 14.
De Klerk was quick to organize South Africa’s move away from white minorities into democracy.
F. W. de Klerk is the former leader and president of National Party. He discusses his resignation at a National Party Caucus meeting, Cape Town, August 26 1997.
De Klerk made the announcement in 1990 that he would release Nelson Mandela, anti-apartheid leader and five months after he had been elected president. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 together with Mandela for their efforts in bringing about non-racial democracy. (pictured: Mandela and De Klerk at Oslo’s 1993 reception of the Peace Prize in Norway.
Nelson Mandela (L), and FW De Klerk, (R), are seen with the Nobel Peace Prize Gold Medal, Diploma and Certificate, Oslo, December 10, 1993. F.W. F.W.
De Klerk began immediately to accelerate and strengthen the previous constitutional reforms. Despite strong opposition from Conservative Party, he was clear from the start about his intention to end apartheid.
In February 1990, De Klerk declared that he would free Nelson Mandela (an anti-apartheid leader) and other political prisoners. This announcement was made just five months before he became President. It led to multiparty elections in 1994 which paved the path for democracy in South Africa.
Mandela and De Klerk shared the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize. They were recognized for their collaboration in helping to bring non-racial democracy into the country.