'PW aware of need for reform'

2006-11-01 09:35

Johannesburg - Former state president FW De Klerk on Wednesday extended his condolences to the family and friends of former president PW Botha who died at his home, Die Anker, in The Wilderness on Tuesday night.

"I have learned with sorrow of the death last night (Tuesday) of former president PW Botha and would like to convey my most sincere condolences to his family and friends," De Klerk said in a statement.

He said Botha was a strong leader and an effective organiser.

"PW Botha was also keenly aware of the need for reform in South Africa. He allowed free trade union activity and presided over the repeal of almost 100 discriminatory laws, including pass laws, the Immorality Act and the Mixed Marriages Act," said De Klerk.

"He made provision for Indian and Coloured participation in government through the introduction of the tricameral constitution in 1983 and he searched unsuccessfully for ways of involving black South Africans in government."

However, it was under Botha's leadership that the government first made contact with Nelson Mandela and African National Congress leaders in exile, said De Klerk.

He said the National Party, in 1986, under Botha's guidance, finally abandoned its policy of separate development.

"I should like to honour PW Botha for the enormous contribution that he made to preparing the way to the new South Africa."

"Personally, my relationship with PW Botha was often strained. I did not like his overbearing leadership style," said De Klerk.

Botha's wife Barbara had found him dead just after 20:00. He was 90 years old.

- SAPA