FW de Klerk

The concept behind the Global Leadership Foundation grew out of an idea put to FW de Klerk when he retired from office in South Africa: that political leaders rarely have the opportunity to draw on the wisdom of former leaders, unlike the chairmen and chief executives of companies who can turn for discreet advice to some of the experienced non-executive directors on their Boards.

Political leaders, especially those new to power and with little or no experience of government or of working within an open society with free markets and democratic institutions, receive substantial amounts of advice from international organisations, consultants and special interest groups. They must also deal with expectations that cannot be fulfilled. They are often isolated and may also lack the advice of an objective civil service.

Without sound advice, they may find it difficult to take the initiatives needed to develop their countries peacefully. FW de Klerk founded the Global Leadership Foundation to help fill that gap.

“Objective advice from people without a personal, financial or political agenda has been priceless for me. It enabled me to resolve seemingly overwhelming problems through negotiation.” [FW de Klerk]

Biographical Information

FW de Klerk was President of South Africa from 1989 to 1994, during which time he initiated and presided over the inclusive negotiations that led to the dismantling of “apartheid” and the adoption of South Africa’s first fully democratic constitution in December 1993.

Mr De Klerk entered national politics as a Member of Parliament in November 1972. Before becoming State President, he held the following portfolios within the Cabinet: Mineral and Energy Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications and Social Welfare and Pensions; Sport and Recreation, Mining and Environmental Planning, Internal Affairs, Public Service, and National Education.

Mr. De Klerk also served as Chairman of the Minister’s Council in the House of Assembly and Leader of the House of Assembly. Having been chosen as the leader of the National Party in February 1989, Mr. De Klerk became State President on 20 September 1989, a position he held until Nelson Mandela’s inauguration as President on 10 May 1994.

After leading the National Party to second place in South Africa’s first fully representative general election of 27 April 1994, Mr. De Klerk was inaugurated as one of South Africa’s two Executive Deputy Presidents. He served in this capacity until the end of June 1996 when the National Party, under his leadership, decided to withdraw from the Government of National Unity. He was Leader of the Official Opposition until his retirement from active party politics on 9 September 1997.

Activity after public politics

In January 1999 Mr. De Klerk published his autobiography “The Last Trek – a New Beginning” and the same year established the F W de Klerk Foundation, which is dedicated to the promotion of peace in multi-communal societies and the upholding of South Africa’s constitution. He makes numerous speeches around the world and actively participates as an elder statesman in international conferences on the promotion of harmonious relations in multi-communal societies, the future of Africa and South Africa and the challenges facing the world during the new millennium.

Mr. De Klerk has received numerous national and international honours and honorary doctorates, including the Philadelphia Peace Prize and, together with Nelson Mandela, the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.

Mr De Klerk founded the Global Leadership Foundation in 2004 and was Chairman of the Board until his death in 2021. He represented GLF in meetings with leaders of nine countries in Africa, South America, Europe, Central Asia and South East Asia.

Mr De Klerk passed away on 11 November 2021 following a short battle with cancer. His memorial service was held the following month at the Groote Kerk, Cape Town.