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

Nadine de Klerk hit a blistering unbeaten 84 from 54 balls as South Africa produced a stunning comeback to beat co-hosts India by three wickets at the Women's World Cup.

From BBC • Oct. 9, 2025

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

From Salon • Mar. 13, 2024

The countries in the West, particularly the United Kingdom and the United States, wanted to reward Mr. de Klerk for his reforms, believing that this would encourage him to go further.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela