According to SABC News, the last white South African president F.W De Klerk came into power in 1989 under apartheid but he later became a key figure in the nation’s transition to democracy.
In a video shared shortly after his death De Klerk said his views about apartheid changed significantly since the 1980s.
Critics however said it was little too late as many have not forgiven De Klerk for the role he played during apartheid. De Klerk had said before that apartheid was not a crime against humanity.
Even the late president Nelson Mandela said De Klerk should not be thanked for releasing him and other ANC leaders from jail.
There was division when De Klerk was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize as he failed to help reverse inequality in South Africa.
The leader passed away on the 11th of November 2021 at the age of 85, he died from cancer. A state memorial service for the last apartheid leader is being held today in the City of Cape Town.
