SA History Timeline

1989

F. W. de Klerk becomes president

F. W. de Klerk succeeded P. W. Botha and soon opened the path to unbanning organisations and negotiated transition.

established
political-change

F. W. de Klerk succeeded P. W. Botha and soon opened the path to unbanning organisations and negotiated transition.

Significance

Leadership change that enabled the 1990 reforms ending formal apartheid politics.

Why it matters

Leadership change that enabled the 1990 reforms ending formal apartheid politics.