De Klerk took bold step for democracy, says Ramaphosa

The memorial event was held at the Groote Kerk in Cape Town, with Minister in the Presidency Mondli Gungubele also in attendance.

In his eulogy, Ramaphosa reflected on the role De Klerk played in ushering in democracy.

Ramaphosa said the last apartheid-era president took a brave step.

“FW de Klerk in February of 1990, in which he announced the unbanning of political parties and the release of Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners was a brave act.

“In taking such bold step De Klerk went against many in his own party and against many white South Africans, who had been taught about the ‘Swaart Gevaar’, who had been brought up to fear majority rule and to regard black aspirations as threat to their way of life, their culture and their very existence.”

Ramphosa further explained that the decisions taken that day contributed greatly to South African democracy.

“We do know the decisions announced that day contributed to a process whose eventual outcome was a democratic, non-racial, non-sexist constitutional order. And we also know that under his leadership, the National Party was deliberately steered towards a democratic institution.”

De Klerk passed away on November 11 at the age of 85 after succumbing to his long battle with cancer.

He is survived by his wife Elita, his children Jan and Susan and his grandchildren.

ALSO READ: