# F. W. de Klerk

> 7th state president of South Africa from 1989 to 1994

**Wikidata**: [Q151813](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q151813)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F._W._de_Klerk)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/f-w-de-klerk

## Summary
F. W. de Klerk was a South African politician and lawyer who served as the 7th State President of South Africa from 1989 to 1994. He is best known for his role in dismantling the apartheid system and negotiating the transition to majority rule, for which he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 alongside Nelson Mandela.

## Biography
- **Born:** March 18, 1936, in South Africa
- **Nationality:** South African
- **Education:** Studied at Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education (now part of North-West University)
- **Known for:** Ending apartheid and facilitating South Africa's transition to democracy
- **Employer(s):** Government of South Africa (various ministerial roles, State President)
- **Field(s):** Politics, law, public administration

## Contributions
F. W. de Klerk played a pivotal role in the dismantling of apartheid in South Africa. As State President, he initiated reforms that led to the release of Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners, the unbanning of anti-apartheid organizations, and the commencement of negotiations that resulted in South Africa's first multiracial elections in 1994. His leadership during this period was instrumental in the peaceful transition from apartheid to democracy. He also co-founded the F.W. de Klerk Foundation, which promotes constitutional rights, conflict resolution, and good governance in South Africa.

## FAQs
**What was F. W. de Klerk's role in ending apartheid?**
F. W. de Klerk, as State President of South Africa, initiated key reforms that dismantled the apartheid system, including the release of Nelson Mandela and the unbanning of anti-apartheid organizations. His actions paved the way for negotiations that led to South Africa's first democratic elections in 1994.

**What awards did F. W. de Klerk receive?**
F. W. de Klerk was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993, alongside Nelson Mandela, for their efforts to end apartheid and establish democracy in South Africa. He also received the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Peace Prize, the Princess of Asturias Award for International Cooperation, and the Philadelphia Liberty Medal, among others.

**Where did F. W. de Klerk study?**
F. W. de Klerk studied at Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education, which is now part of North-West University in South Africa.

**What organizations was F. W. de Klerk affiliated with?**
F. W. de Klerk was affiliated with Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education and North-West University. He was also a member of the American Philosophical Society.

**What was F. W. de Klerk's occupation before becoming president?**
Before becoming State President, F. W. de Klerk served as a minister in the South African government and was a practicing lawyer.

## Why They Matter
F. W. de Klerk's leadership was crucial in ending apartheid and facilitating South Africa's transition to democracy. His willingness to negotiate with anti-apartheid leaders and his commitment to reforms helped avert a potential civil war and laid the foundation for a more inclusive and equitable society. His actions have had a lasting impact on South Africa's political landscape and serve as a model for conflict resolution and democratic transition.

## Notable For
- Serving as the 7th State President of South Africa (1989–1994)
- Co-recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 with Nelson Mandela
- Initiating the dismantling of apartheid and facilitating South Africa's transition to democracy
- Receiving the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Peace Prize and the Princess of Asturias Award for International Cooperation
- Being a member of the American Philosophical Society
- Studying at Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education (now part of North-West University)

## Body

### Early Life and Education
F. W. de Klerk was born on March 18, 1936, in South Africa. He studied at Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education, which is now part of North-West University. His education laid the foundation for his career in law and politics.

### Political Career
F. W. de Klerk began his political career as a member of the South African government, serving in various ministerial roles. He became the 7th State President of South Africa in 1989, a position he held until 1994. During his presidency, he initiated significant reforms that led to the dismantling of apartheid.

### Role in Ending Apartheid
As State President, F. W. de Klerk played a crucial role in ending apartheid. He released Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners, unbanned anti-apartheid organizations, and commenced negotiations that resulted in South Africa's first multiracial elections in 1994. His actions were instrumental in the peaceful transition from apartheid to democracy.

### Awards and Recognition
F. W. de Klerk received numerous awards for his efforts to end apartheid and establish democracy in South Africa. These include the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993, the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Peace Prize, the Princess of Asturias Award for International Cooperation, and the Philadelphia Liberty Medal. He also received honorary doctorates from Haifa University and the Vrije Universiteit Brussel.

### Affiliations and Memberships
F. W. de Klerk was affiliated with Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education and North-West University. He was also a member of the American Philosophical Society, a prestigious scholarly organization.

### Legacy
F. W. de Klerk's leadership during a critical period in South African history has left a lasting legacy. His commitment to ending apartheid and facilitating a peaceful transition to democracy has had a profound impact on South Africa's political landscape. His actions serve as a model for conflict resolution and democratic transition, and his contributions continue to be recognized and celebrated.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. Dictionary of African Biography
3. Database of Cabinet Politics in Sub-Sahara Africa
4. Genealogics
5. [Source](http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/1993/)
6. [Source](https://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/about/amounts/)
7. [Source](https://www.cavavub.be/nl/eredoctoraten)
8. general catalog of BnF
9. MusicBrainz
10. NNDB
11. [Source](https://www.eldiario.es/internacional/muere-frederik-willem-klerk-ultimo-presidente-apartheid-sudafrica_1_8479632.html)
12. SNAC
13. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
14. NUKAT
15. datos.bne.es
16. [South Africa's former President FW de Klerk dies at 85](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-59247115)
17. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
18. [F. W. De Klerk | Open Library](https://openlibrary.org/authors/OL2485121A/F._W._De_Klerk)
19. Virtual International Authority File
20. [Source](https://ewn.co.za/2014/01/14/Davos-1992-The-Mandela-moment)
21. LIBRIS. 2018