Ramaphosa remembers De Klerk for his role in changing history
President Cyril Ramaphosa has sent his condolences to the family of former president FW de Klerk.
South Africa's last apartheid-era president died at his home in Cape Town this morning.
Speaking outside the National Assembly, Ramaphosa said De Klerk played a vital role in changing history and had the courage to step away from the path of the National Party.
"He did play a key role in ushering in democracy in our country. He was a leader of a party that was largely discredited in relation to the role the National Party played in enforcing apartheid.
"But he had the courage to step away from the path that his party that he lead had embarked upon for from 1948 and we will remember him for that.
"And of course the policies that the apartheid regime espoused and implemented have rigged a lot of havoc on millions and millions of South Africans and it was the havoc that many of our people will never forget and have suffered from. But as a human being it is important for us as South Africans to pay our condolences."
Leader of GOOD Patricia de Lille has sent condolences to his family.
"We want to express our deepest condolences to FW's wife, Elita and the family on the passing of the former president FW de Klerk.
"De Klerk played an important role in our country's transition from apartheid to a democracy and ensured a peaceful and reconciliation process. He continued to serve our country after the attainment of our democracy. May his soul rest in peace."
