What does F.W. de Klerk stand for?
Frederik Willem de Klerk (/də ˈklɜːrk, də ˈklɛərk/, Afrikaans: [ˈfriədərək ˈvələm də ˈklɛrk], 18 March 1936 – 11 November 2021) was a South African politician who served as state president of South Africa from 1989 to 1994 and as deputy president from 1994 to 1996 in the democratic government.
Who announced the end of apartheid?
The first significant steps towards formal negotiations took place in February 1990 when, in his speech at the opening of Parliament, de Klerk announced the repeal of the ban on the African National Congress (ANC) and other banned organisations, as well as the release of ANC leader Nelson Mandela after 27 years in …
Is Willem de Klerk still alive?
November 11, 2021Frederik Willem de Klerk / Date of death
Who was FW de Klerk?
“F.W. de Klerk, South African Nobel Prize winner for opening government, dies at 85”. The Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Archived from the original on 11 November 2021.
How did Fikile de Klerk die?
On 19 March 2021, it was announced that de Klerk had been diagnosed with mesothelioma. Just under eight months later, on 11 November, he died from complications of the disease in his sleep at his home in Cape Town, at the age of 85. He was the last surviving State President of South Africa.
What did FW de Klerk do during apartheid in South Africa?
As a minister, he supported and enforced apartheid, a system of racial segregation that privileged white South Africans. After Botha resigned in 1989, de Klerk replaced him, first as leader of the National Party and then as State President. Although observers expected him to continue Botha’s defence of apartheid,…
Why was de Klerk so controversial?
De Klerk was a controversial figure among many sections of South African society, all for different reasons. He received many awards, including the Nobel Peace Prize for dismantling apartheid and bringing universal suffrage to South Africa.