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.
View in timelineestablished
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.