My predecessor, P. W. Botha, had an inner circle, and I did not like it. I preferred decisions to evolve out of cabinet discussions. That way, we achieved real co-ownership of our policies. F. W. de Klerk achievebothacabinet Change image and share on social
When I first met Mandela, we did not discuss anything of substance; we just felt each other out. He spent a long time expressing his admiration for the Boer generals and how ingenious they were during the Anglo-Boer war. F. W. de Klerk admirationangloboer share on social
I felt a sense of fulfillment that an action plan, which I'd laid on the table on the 2nd of February 1990, had been fulfilled, had been properly implemented within the time frame which I envisaged. F. W. de Klerk 2ndactionenvisage Change image and share on social
I have made the most profound apology in front of the Truth Commission and on other occasions about the injustices which were wrought by apartheid. F. W. de Klerk apartheidapologycommission Change image and share on social
It was fortunate in looking back for South Africa and its entire people that Mandela and I found it possible to work together even though big strains developed between us from time to time. F. W. de Klerk africabackbig Change image and share on social
Above all, we owe it to the children of the world to stop the conflicts and to create new horizons for them. F. W. de Klerk childconflictcreate Change image and share on social
It was an honour for me to have been able to work with Mr. Mandela in the process that led to the adoption of the interim constitution and our first democratic elections in April 1994. F. W. de Klerk adoptionaprilconstitution Change image and share on social
I believe that first impressions are very important. F. W. de Klerk importantimpression Change image and share on social
What I haven't apologised for is the original concept of seeking to bring justice to all South Africans through the concept of nation states. F. W. de Klerk africanapologisebring Change image and share on social
In our quest for peace, we should constantly ask ourselves what we should do to create conditions in which peace can prosper. F. W. de Klerk conditionconstantlycreate Change image and share on social
