Question

President F. W. Klerk decided to end Apartheid and gradually move South Africa towards black majority rule. In this context discuss any four steps taken by Klerk to achieve his objectives peacefully.

Answer 1

1. Release of Nelson Mandela: After 27 years in prison, F.W. de Klerk made history in 1990 when he ordered Nelson Mandela's release. In the direction of peacemaking and dialogue with the African National Congress (ANC), this act was a critical step.
2. Repealing Apartheid Laws: The laws enforcing racial segregation and discrimination were essentially dismantled when F. W. Klerk started the process of removing the residual apartheid legislation.
3. Negotiating a New Constitution: Under de Klerk's direction, the government started talks with the ANC and other political organizations to develop a new constitution that would ensure a democratic transition by granting the black majority full political rights.
4. Holding Free Elections: The government of F. W. Klerk consented to holding the nation's first multiracial general elections in 1994. The ANC won these elections, and Nelson Mandela became the country's first black president. They were a crucial step in creating a new, democratic South Africa.