FW de Klerk

World Leader

Birthday March 18, 1936

Birth Sign Pisces

Birthplace Johannesburg, South Africa

DEATH DATE Nov 11, 2021 (85)

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About

South African president from 1989 to 1994 who, despite being a conservative with a past of supporting racial segregation, brokered the end of apartheid and helped lead South Africa to become a multi-racial democracy. He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 for his revolutionary efforts.

Before Fame

He rose up in the white-only government through contacts from his father.

Trivia

It was he who decided to release Nelson Mandela from jail after he had spent 27 years there fighting apartheid. He was succeeded by Mandela as president. 

Family Life

He was married to his first wife, Marike de Klerk for 38 years before divorcing her.

Associated With

He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 along with Nelson Mandela for their work ending the apartheid.