De Klerk’s bravery and decisiveness contributed to SA’s freedom

The Jewish National Fund of South Africa (JNF-SA) pays tribute to the important role played by former President FW de Klerk in ending apartheid and paving the way for a democratic South Africa.

Far too few leaders in history have been willing to recognise the bankruptcy of their own ideology, and have been brave enough to push for change, even at the cost of giving up political power.

De Klerk took the decisive decision to reverse decades of National Party policy, to unban anti-apartheid movements unconditionally, and to release all political prisoners. Moreover, he engaged in a broad-based multi-party process to negotiate transition from minority rule to a democratic dispensation.

Recognising this contribution to bringing about freedom in South Africa, the JNF in the 1990s dedicated a grove in the South African Memorial Forest in Israel in his name. We send condolences to his wife and family.