F. W. de Klerk

F. W. de Klerk was elected leader of the National Party, succeeding P. W. Botha. He became State President of South Africa later that year, inheriting a country under international sanctions and internal unrest.

De Klerk announced the unbanning of the African National Congress (ANC) and other liberation movements, and ordered the release of Nelson Mandela after 27 years in prison. This was a pivotal step towards ending apartheid.

De Klerk led the National Party in negotiations with the ANC and other parties to dismantle apartheid. The negotiations resulted in the 1993 Interim Constitution and the first multi-racial elections in 1994.

De Klerk shared the Nobel Peace Prize with Nelson Mandela for their roles in the peaceful transition from apartheid to democracy. The award recognized their efforts in negotiating a peaceful end to racial segregation.

After the 1994 elections, de Klerk served as Deputy President in Nelson Mandela's Government of National Unity. He held the position until 1996, when the National Party withdrew from the coalition.

De Klerk publicly apologized for apartheid, stating that the policy was morally wrong and had caused immense suffering. The apology was seen as a significant gesture of reconciliation.