FW de Klerk, apartheid South Africa’s last leader, has died.
De Klerk, 85, died of “a cancer that damages the lining of the lungs” at his Fresnaye residence. He was a significant figure in the country’s democratic transition. His wife Elita, two daughters, Jan and Susan, as well as grandchildren, survive him.
Willem, his son, died of cancer a year ago, and Marike, his ex-wife whom he divorced in 1998, was murdered in 2001.
President Cyril Ramaphosa is anticipated to make an announcement on his state funeral soon.
De Klerk served as president from September 1989 to May 1994, and after the country’s first democratic election in April 1994, he was appointed as one of the country’s two vice president.