F.W. de Klerk's Last Public Statement (2021)

 F.W. de Klerk (1936-2021) released a  public statement before his death. The last president of Apartheid South Africa made an apology for the damage the system caused to the African, Colored, and Indian population.The question remains why this was not done earlier. Guilt could have been the motivation. The regime killed and abused the black majority in order to preserve the political and economic dominance of whites. The National Party continued to be active even with the end of the Apartheid regime in 1994. The party would dissolve in 1997. It then formed into the New National Party in attempt to improve its image. Klerk won a Nobel Prize, which he shared with Nelson Mandela. Although seen as a peaceful mediator , he did not confront the numerous human rights abuses by the security services  during his presidency. The public statement he released expresses the need to uphold the constitution and maintain the independence of the judiciary. The need for job creation and economic empowerment is critical to South Africa's future. F.W. de Klerk discussion on the rule of law seemed contradictory. He presided over a regime that did not acknowledge it and was not happy that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission formed to investigate abuses. F.W. de Klerk will remain a controversial figure in South African history.