De Klerk’s contribution to our democracy can’t be overstated – John Steenhuisen

11 November 2021

The DA notes with sadness the passing of former State President and Nobel laureate, FW de Klerk, at the age of 85 in his home in Cape Town after a battle with cancer.

Mr de Klerk’s contribution to South Africa’s transition to democracy cannot be overstated. His decision, within a year of taking over the presidency from PW Botha in 1989, to unban liberation movements, release Nelson Mandela from prison, lift the ban on political marches and begin the four year negotiation process towards our first democratic election was a watershed moment in our country’s history. De Klerk also took the decision to dismantle the country’s nuclear weapons programme. These things were not considered possible under any of his predecessors.

Importantly, he was also able to bring the majority of white voters along with him, and this played a critical role in ensuring that the transition happened peacefully and that the 1994 elections, as well as the constitutional negotiations, were embraced by all South Africans. This process required calm heads and responsible leadership on both sides of the table, and it was fitting that both he and Nelson Mandela were honoured in 1993 with the shared Nobel Peace Prize.

Swapping the presidency for his new role as leader of the official opposition, de Klerk continued to play a pivotal - and robust - leadership role in Parliament, as well as in the Government of National Unity, where he served as Deputy President under President Mandela.

He continued this work through the FW de Klerk Foundation, which he established in 1999, and which sought to further democracy, accountability and constitutionalism, as well as supporting a number of charities that care for disabled and disadvantaged children.

The DA extends its deepest condolences to the de Klerk family - his wife, Elita, his children, Susan and Jan, and his grandchildren. May they find strength and comfort in this difficult time. And, rather than dividing our country, may his passing and his memory make us even more determined to work towards a united South Africa.

Issued by John Steenhuisen, Leader of the Democratic Alliance

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Afrikanerbond honours Frederik Willem de Klerk 

The Afrikanerbond heard with sadness of the death of FW De Klerk, a valued member, statesman, man of Africa, South African — but above all, a remarkable Afrikaner.

In his epochal speech of 2 February 1990, which irrevocably placed South Africa on a different route, Mr FW De Klerk said: "The agenda is open and the overall aims to which we are aspiring should be acceptable to all reasonable South Africans. Among other things, those aims include a new, democratic constitution; universal franchise; no domination; equality before an independent judiciary; the protection of minorities as well as of individual rights; freedom of religion; a sound economy based on proven economic principles and private enterprise; dynamic programmes directed at better education, health services, housing and social conditions for all."

With this act of faith, FW de Klerk became one of the chief architects of South Africa's constitutional democracy. During his presidency of just under five years (1989—1994), he played a crucial role in unravelling the South African racial conflict, pulling the country from the abyss of destruction.

With his sincerity, firmness of principle and understanding of the problems of the time, FW de Klerk made the right decisions. He could have joined the ranks of other statesmen and enjoyed a peaceful retirement. Instead, through the FW De Klerk Foundation and the Centre for Constitutional Rights, he tirelessly pursued the ideals he had set for South Africa. The Afrikanerbond honours and respects him for this.

On 29 May 2015, during our Bondsraad (National Council) at the Voortrekker Monument, the Afrikanerbond gave recognition  to FW De Klerk for his extraordinary contribution to the establishment and promotion of democracy in South Africa. Read his speech (In Afrikaans) during the event: https://www.afrikanerbond.co.za/mnr-fw-de-klerk-aan-die-woord

On 11 November 2020 – exactly a year ago – we held an AB in dialogue discussion series webinar with FW De Klerk about his viewpoints within the current political context:

https://www.afrikanerbond.co.za/fw-de-klerk-11-november-2020

Our sincere sympathy to his family and friends. This is the end of an era.

We honour his memory.

Issued by Jan Bosman, Chief Secretary, Afrikanerbond 

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We lost a champion of democratic principles – Mangosuthu Buthelezi

On behalf of the Inkatha Freedom Party, I extend our deepest condolences on the passing of South Africa’s former President, Mr FW de Klerk. This is a painful moment, not only for his family, but for our entire nation. We have lost a champion of democratic principles and constitutionalism who served South Africa long after his retirement from governance.

I had the privilege of serving in the Government of National Unity with then Deputy President de Klerk as we laid the foundation of South Africa’s democracy. I respected his commitment to the wellbeing of our country and recognised in him the characteristics of a patriot.

I shall never forget his words upon receipt of the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, Norway, on 10 December 1993. He spoke about the fundamental change of heart that became the driving force towards a new dispensation. He said, “It was not a sudden change, but a process - a process of introspection, of soul searching; of repentance; of realisation of the futility of ongoing conflict, of acknowledgement of failed policies and the injustice it brought with it.”

This was not merely a change of his own heart, but a change in our entire country. History bestowed on former President de Klerk the unique privilege of taking us across the threshold. In announcing the release of Mr Mandela and other political prisoners, and the unbanning of political parties, on 2 February 1990, he opened the way for inclusive democratic negotiations. It was the beginning of our shared future.

We thank the Almighty that former President de Klerk had the opportunity to see South Africa become a country of freedom in which every citizen has equal rights.

As we honour his contribution to a just society, we mourn his passing. May Mrs Elita de Klerk, his children and grandchildren be comforted in this painful time. We extend our deepest sympathies.

Issued by Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, Founder and President Emeritus of the Inkatha Freedom Party

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Party offers condolences after passing of FW de Klerk – Pieter Groenewald

The FF Plus wishes to herewith offer its deepest condolences to the next of kin and acquaintances of Mr FW de Klerk, who passed away today, and trusts that they will be comforted by the Heavenly Father.

Mr De Klerk was a controversial politician who initiated the process of establishing a new political dispensation in South Africa since 1994. The direction he chose to take elicited serious differences in opinion and many arguments both for and against his decisions.

I am of the opinion that Mr De Klerk was ultimately also not satisfied with the outcomes of the political changes. He did not foresee the consequences nor the current decline and decay and he readily admitted that later on.

He leaves a legacy of one who brought about drastic changes in South Africa's political landscape, even though he did not get the results he may have hoped for.

From the outset, I made it clear that I differed from Mr De Klerk on certain aspects of what a new and different dispensation in South Africa should entail. My view was that the new dispensation must have greater federal power sharing and more protection for minority groups.

Mr De Klerk, nevertheless, believed that he was doing the right thing and he was wholeheartedly committed to bringing about political changes in South Africa.

Issued by Pieter Groenewald, FF Plus leader