The Other Man: F.W. de Klerk and the End of Apartheid

De Klerk held the position of president of South Africa from 1989 until 1994. A pivotal moment in his leadership occurred in 1990 when he made the significant decision to release the leading anti-apartheid activist, Nelson Mandela, who had spent an astounding 27 years in prison. This release coincided with the repeal of all major apartheid laws, including the lifting of the ANC ban. Initially, de Klerk was a proponent of the apartheid state; however, he is now recognized for his crucial role in dismantling South Africa’s racial segregation policies. Together with Nelson Mandela, he guided the nation towards becoming a multi-racial democracy.

Throughout the years, there has been extensive speculation regarding de Klerk’s motivations and his impact on this evolving landscape. Is it appropriate to view him as a South African Fujimori or Kissinger? What truly constitutes de Klerk’s legacy? What transformations led this man, who fervently defended the privileges of white Africans, to initiate such profound changes towards a more equitable nation? The film delves deep into the political complexities of his tenure during apartheid and examines his intricate relationship with Mandela. It paints a portrait of a man who has been both reviled and celebrated, somehow remaining in the shadows despite his significant contributions.

The narrative of de Klerk is also synonymous with the story of South Africa itself, as its oppressive past and remarkable transformation consistently shape its social and political identities in ways that resonate both locally and internationally. The documentary includes exclusive interviews with de Klerk himself, alongside prominent figures such as Thabo Mbeki (former president of S.A.), Roelf Meyer, and Leon Wessels (former minister in the de Klerk cabinet). It also features insights from Albie Sachs (an anti-apartheid activist and former judge on the Constitutional Court of South Africa), Mathews Phosa (former ANC Treasurer General and anti-apartheid activist), Yasmin Sooka (former commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission), Richard Goldstone (who led the Goldstone Commission investigations into political violence in South Africa), and many others who were instrumental in both pre- and post-apartheid South Africa. Through these accounts, the film illuminates the profound legacy of de Klerk and the ongoing narrative of a country forever marked by its history.

Last Updated: May 12, 2025 at 07:04