GALLERY | FW de Klerk's political life in pictures

11 November 2021 - 14:45 By TIMESLIVE

Former state president FW de Klerk died at his home in Cape Town on Thursday at the age of 85.

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

De Klerk disclosed on his 85th birthday in March that he was suffering from the cancer, which affects the lining of the lungs. 

He was undergoing immunotherapy to treat it. 

The announcement came less than a year after his son Willem died of cancer in Durbanville at the age of 53.

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FW de Klerk, pictured here in May 5, 2009 in Washington DC.
FW de Klerk, pictured here in May 5, 2009 in Washington DC.
Image: Chip Somodevilla
Two former presidents, FW de Klerk and Nelson Mandela at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, to receive an award from President Thabo Mbeki in December 2002.
Two former presidents, FW de Klerk and Nelson Mandela at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, to receive an award from President Thabo Mbeki in December 2002.
Image: Sydney Seshibedi
FW de Klerk with his late wife, Marike, during the Opening of Parliament in 1991.
FW de Klerk with his late wife, Marike, during the Opening of Parliament in 1991.
Image: Juda Ngwenya / Reuters
ANC Secretary General Cyril Ramaphosa, President Nelson Mandela, then Deputy President FW de Klerk and Gauteng Provincial leader Roelf Meyer speak to the press after a meeting about the constitution in April 1996.
ANC Secretary General Cyril Ramaphosa, President Nelson Mandela, then Deputy President FW de Klerk and Gauteng Provincial leader Roelf Meyer speak to the press after a meeting about the constitution in April 1996.
Image: Robbie Botha / Business Day
Two former presidents FW de Klerk and Nelson Mandela, at the Union Buildings in Pretoria in October 2002.
Two former presidents FW de Klerk and Nelson Mandela, at the Union Buildings in Pretoria in October 2002.
Image: Sydney Seshibedi
Front: Thabo Mbeki, Nelson Mandela, FW de Klerk. Back: Johann Rupert, chairman, Sunshine Tour, Dr Hasso Plattner, owner of Fancourt, in 2003.
Front: Thabo Mbeki, Nelson Mandela, FW de Klerk. Back: Johann Rupert, chairman, Sunshine Tour, Dr Hasso Plattner, owner of Fancourt, in 2003.
Image: RAYMOND PRESTON
3 September 2015: FW de Klerk visiting fellow Nobel Peace Laureate Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu in hospital.
3 September 2015: FW de Klerk visiting fellow Nobel Peace Laureate Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu in hospital.
Image: Benny Gool
BIG SMILES: Then National Party representatives Pik Botha and FW de Klerk greet Nelson Mandela at Codesa in 1992.
BIG SMILES: Then National Party representatives Pik Botha and FW de Klerk greet Nelson Mandela at Codesa in 1992.
Image: Raymond Preston
FW and Marike de Klerk at the opening of parliament.
FW and Marike de Klerk at the opening of parliament.
Image: Terry Shean / Sunday Times
Former President FW de Klerk, his wife, Elita, and son, Willem de Klerk, at Marike's memorial service.
Former President FW de Klerk, his wife, Elita, and son, Willem de Klerk, at Marike's memorial service.
Image: Simon Mathebula / Sunday Times
FW de Klerk amongst voters during a national referendum in 1992.
FW de Klerk amongst voters during a national referendum in 1992.
Image: David Sandison / Arena Holdings

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