F. W. de Klerk

18 March 1936 – 11 November 2021

F. W. de Klerk was a South African politician who served as State President from 1989 to 1994 and as a deputy president in the Government of National Unity until 1996. In February 1990 he announced the unbanning of the African National Congress and other organisations and the release of political prisoners, opening negotiations that ended apartheid. He shared the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize with Nelson Mandela.

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Life events

Born in Johannesburg, South Africa
18 March 1936

Born into an Afrikaner family with long-standing ties to the National Party.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Graduated in law from Potchefstroom University
1958

Completed his law degree and later practised as an attorney in Vereeniging.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Married Marike Willemse
1959

The couple had three children and divorced in 1998.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Elected to the House of Assembly as National Party member for Vereeniging
1972

Entered parliament and went on to hold a series of cabinet portfolios from 1978.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Elected leader of the National Party
2 February 1989

Succeeded P. W. Botha as party leader following Botha's stroke.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Became State President of South Africa
20 September 1989 – 10 May 1994

Held the office until the country's first non-racial election brought Nelson Mandela to the presidency in 1994.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Announced the unbanning of the ANC and the release of political prisoners
2 February 1990

In a speech opening parliament he lifted the ban on the ANC, PAC and Communist Party and cleared the way for Nelson Mandela's release nine days later.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize jointly with Nelson Mandela
10 December 1993

Recognised for negotiating the end of apartheid and laying the foundations for a democratic South Africa.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Served as a deputy president in the Government of National Unity
10 May 1994 – 30 June 1996

Held office under Nelson Mandela until the National Party withdrew from the coalition in 1996.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Died in Cape Town
11 November 2021

Died at his home after being diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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