As president from 1989 to 1994, de Klerk made several key decisions that led to the dismantling of the system of racial segregation and discrimination that had been in place in South Africa since 1948.
One of de Klerk's most important decisions was to release Nelson Mandela from prison on February 11, 1990. Mandela had been imprisoned for 27 years for his leadership role in the African National Congress (ANC), a political organization that fought against apartheid. Mandela's release was a significant step forward in the process of reconciliation and negotiation between the ANC and the white-minority government.
De Klerk also legalized the ANC and other anti-apartheid organizations. This allowed these groups to operate openly and participate in political negotiations. De Klerk also lifted the ban on the South African Communist Party, which had been outlawed since 1950.
In 1991, de Klerk and Mandela began negotiations to end apartheid and establish a democratic, multiracial government in South Africa. These negotiations culminated in the signing of the National Peace Accord in 1991 and the adoption of a new constitution in 1993. The new constitution established a democratic South Africa with universal suffrage and equal rights for all citizens.
In 1994, South Africa held its first multiracial elections. Mandela was elected president, and he led the country through a peaceful transition to democracy. De Klerk served as one of Mandela's deputy presidents until 1996.
De Klerk's decision to dismantle apartheid was not easy. He was criticized by many white South Africans who felt that he was giving up too much to the ANC. However, de Klerk believed that apartheid was morally wrong and that it had to be ended in order to bring peace and stability to South Africa.
De Klerk's courage and leadership were essential to the peaceful end of apartheid. He deserves credit for his role in helping to create a new, democratic South Africa.