de Klerk

American  

[duh klairk] / də ˈklɛərk /

noun

1. Frederik Willem, 1936–2021, South African political leader: president 1989–94; Nobel Peace Prize 1993.

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de Klerk British  

/ də ˈklɜːk /

noun

1. F ( rederik ) W ( illem ). born 1936, South African statesman; president (1989–94), second executive deputy president (1994–97). In 1990 he legalized the ANC and released Nelson Mandela from prison, and initiated the abolition of apartheid: Nobel peace prize 1993 jointly with Mandela

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Example Sentences

The apartheid government under President F.W. de Klerk dismantled its nuclear weapons and associated facilities in an orderly process—before acceding to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 1, 2026

Then, Nadine de Klerk, South Africa's player for a crisis walked in and saw her side over the line.

From Barron's • Oct. 13, 2025

You plug in your variables there, de Klerk and Mandela, Britain and the IRA and Sinn Féin.

From Salon • Mar. 13, 2024

Since South Africa did not include a reserve scrumhalf on its bench, opting for seven forwards and just one back, Kolbe would be needed if Faf de Klerk has to be replaced.

From Washington Times • Oct. 27, 2023

I never sought to undermine Mr. de Klerk, for the practical reason that the weaker he was, the weaker the negotiations process.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela