JONATHAN JANSEN | Calculating to the end, FW botched his last chance to free himself

He could have atoned for apartheid by admitting it was a crime and pleading for forgiveness. He didn’t

17 November 2021 - 20:39

There have been some outstanding reflections penned on the recently deceased FW de Klerk. The best among them came from the desks of Barney Pityana, Redi Tlhabi and Antjie Krog. However, none of them tried to grapple in any depth with the man himself, focusing mainly on what he did or did not do — and the motives for his actions. Nobody asked the more difficult question as it applied to De Klerk and white South Africans in general: having done evil, how do you live with yourself?..

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