(born 1936), South African statesman, state president 1989–94; full name Frederik Willem de Klerk. As state president he freed Nelson Mandela in 1990, lifted the ban on membership of the African National Congress (ANC), and opened the negotiations that led to the first democratic elections in 1994. Nobel Peace Prize with Nelson Mandela (1993).
Definition of de Klerk, F. W. in US English:
de Klerk, F. W.
proper noundə ˈklerk
(born 1936), South African statesman, state president 1989–94; full name Frederik Willem de Klerk. As state president he freed Nelson Mandela in 1990, lifted the ban on membership of the African National Congress (ANC), and opened the negotiations that led to the first democratic elections in 1994. Nobel Peace Prize with Nelson Mandela (1993).