Frederik Willem de Klerk

Explore the significant events in the life of Frederik Willem de Klerk, the former President of South Africa known for his role in ending apartheid and transitioning the country to democracy. This timeline covers key milestones, from his early political career to his pivotal actions that led to the release of Nelson Mandela and the dismantling of apartheid policy.

Born: March 18, 1936
Politician
Potchefstroom University

18 maart 1936

23 november 1972

14 september 1989

2 februari 1990

11 februari 1990

21 maart 1990

10 december 1993

27 april 1994

9 september 1997

11 november 2021

18maart
1936
18 March 1936

Birth of Frederik Willem de Klerk

Frederik Willem de Klerk was born on March 18, 1936, in Johannesburg, South Africa, into a prominent Afrikaner family. His father, Jan de Klerk, was a leading National Party politician, and his upbringing was heavily influenced by his family's political background. De Klerk would go on to pursue law, which led him on a path toward a significant political career within the South African government.

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23november
1972
23 November 1972

Elected to South African Parliament

F. W. de Klerk was elected to the South African House of Assembly as the Member of Parliament for Vereeniging, marking his entrance into political life. As a National Party member, he quickly established himself and took on various ministerial roles, ultimately becoming a central figure in the apartheid government. His work during these early years set the stage for his future leadership.

14september
1989
14 September 1989

Became State President of South Africa

On September 14, 1989, F. W. de Klerk was inaugurated as the State President of South Africa. He succeeded P. W. Botha and was expected to continue the apartheid policies. However, de Klerk would soon take bold steps towards reform, beginning a process that would eventually dismantle the apartheid system. His presidency marked a turning point in South African history.

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02februari
1990
02 February 1990

Announced the Unbanning of the ANC

In a landmark speech on February 2, 1990, President F. W. de Klerk announced the unbanning of the African National Congress (ANC) and other anti-apartheid organizations. This decision was part of de Klerk's initiative to begin negotiations to end apartheid. The announcement was met with widespread surprise and acclaim, setting South Africa on a path towards inclusive democracy.

11februari
1990
11 February 1990

Release of Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela was released from Victor Verster Prison on February 11, 1990, after 27 years behind bars. F. W. de Klerk's government played a pivotal role in Mandela's release, which was a significant step in the direction of dismantling apartheid. Mandela's release was monumental, symbolizing the beginning of a new era for South Africa as it transitioned from apartheid to democracy.

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21maart
1990
21 March 1990

Namibian Independence

Namibia gained independence from South Africa on March 21, 1990. The process was facilitated by negotiations which included F. W. de Klerk's government, contributing to peaceful resolution. Namibia's independence marked the end of a long struggle against colonial rule and apartheid-era control by South Africa, symbolizing progress within the region.

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10december
1993
10 December 1993

Nobel Peace Prize Awarded

F. W. de Klerk and Nelson Mandela were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize on December 10, 1993. The Nobel Committee recognized their efforts in peacefully ending apartheid and laying the foundations for a new democratic South Africa. The award highlighted their collaborative work and commitment to reconciliation and progress, despite the many challenges facing South Africa at the time.

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27april
1994
27 April 1994

First Free Elections in South Africa

On April 27, 1994, South Africa held its first free and fair elections open to all races, marking the end of apartheid. F. W. de Klerk played a key leadership role in the transition. The elections resulted in Nelson Mandela becoming president, with de Klerk serving as Deputy President in a Government of National Unity. This was a historic moment symbolizing the birth of a new South Africa.

09september
1997
09 September 1997

Resignation from Politics

F. W. de Klerk announced his resignation from active politics on September 9, 1997. After serving as Deputy President until 1996, he retired from political life, citing a desire to allow new leadership to emerge. De Klerk's resignation marked the end of an era for South African politics, closing a chapter on the leadership that had navigated the country through its transition from apartheid.

11november
2021
11 November 2021

Death of F. W. de Klerk

On November 11, 2021, Frederik Willem de Klerk passed away at the age of 85 from mesothelioma. His death marked the end of a life deeply intertwined with the history of South Africa, having played a controversial yet pivotal role in the transition from apartheid to a democratic society. De Klerk's legacy is remembered through his complex contributions to South Africa's political landscape.

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Frequently asked questions about Frederik Willem de Klerk

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