It is reported that Mr de Klerk had been diagnosed with cancer earlier this year.
He was one of the leading political figures who took part in the nation’s transition of power from the colonial government. Mr de Klerk was the President of the Republic of South Africa from September 1989 to May 1994. In the second year of his rule, 1990, he ensured the release of anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela resulting in the multi-party elections in 1994.
Ex-president de Klark shared the Nobel Peace Prize with the late Nelson Mandela for contributing to the end of the apartheid. A statement from the FW de Klerk Foundation on Thursday announced that he died peacefully at his home in Cape Town following his battle against mesothelioma cancer, which affects the lining of the lungs.
Mr De Klerk left behind his wife Elita, his children Jan and Susan and his grandchildren, the statement reported. The former president was born and bred in Johannesburg, into a line of Afrikaaner politicians. He worked as a lawyer and served in various ministerial positions before succeeding PW Botha as the head of the National Party in 1989.
It was during this period that he changed the course of history when he announced the removal of the ban on other political parties that included Mandela’s African National Congress (ANC). He also announced the release of Nelson Mandela after 27 years of imprisonment. It was a contribution of his actions that aided the end to apartheid in South Africa, and he became one of the country’s two deputy presidents after the multi-party elections in 1994 that saw Mandela becoming President.
He resigned from politics in 1997 saying, “I am resigning because I am convinced it is in the best interest of the party and the country.”
Despite all, many South Africans have blamed him for failing to minimize violence during his tenure in office.
The leader of the Patriotic Alliance (PA) party in South Africa has appealed to the government suggesting that they eject illegal Zimbabweans from their country just as much as they rejected Somizi because of his sexuality.
In a tweet, Kenny Kunene pointed out that it bothered him that South Africa had to be held accountable for deporting foreigners back to their home countries whilst the same countries like Zimbabwe abide by their laws. This follows the incident that took place two days before the fourth of November on which the famous SA Chef and Idols judge Somizi Mhlongo and prestigious artist Kelly Khumalo, both from South Africa, were invited to attend the official opening of the Garwe Traditional Dish Restaurant in Zimbabwe. This was not accepted very well by many Zimbabwean Religious Leaders and Conservationists which resulted in Somizi not coming and Kelly Khumalo standing in solidarity with him.
“Zimbabwean Religious Leaders wrote to the government that this South African coming to the country legally must not enter because they do not want homosexuality in Zimbabwe. So why are we apologetic about saying Zimbabweans in our country illegally must go? ”
Kenny Kunene
South Africa is being held at gunpoint because of it’s advanced Constitution which serves the interests of all of its citizens. If SA does not take a firm stand and represent the interests of the locals then the country would end up with indeginous nous people being outnumbered by other nationalities
Mr Kunene also mentioned that the PA had a number of coalition conditions since it won over 75 seats nationalky and topping the biggest 5 parties in Johannesburg. These conditions include “bringing God back into schools”, whilst in other municipal departments, the deportation of illegal foreigners.
As the struggle for power continues to rage on between the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), the EU and US have intervened threatening the two parties with sanctions if they fail to solve the despute sooner.
Both the US and EU have threatened to impose sanctions on both the government and the TPLF in a bid to press them into bringing the almost a year old conflict which some fear might as devastating as the civil war that led to the breakup of Yugoslavia to an end.
BBC WORLD NEWS
The main concern in this new development that many have identified is the effect of this decision by the EU and the US on the people of Tigray being affected. Not only the people of Tigray would be affected by these sanctions, but the whole of Ethiopia. One can take into account the sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe, the elites whom the sanctions are imposed on merely suffer the effects, but it is the citizens of the country that would suffer the effects.
The Ethiopian government feels that it can do without thr West – that it can obtain weapons from Uran, Turkey and China, soft loans from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as well as political immunity from Russia and China
Professor Kjetil Tronvoll of the Oslo New University in Norway
Canada-based Ethiopia analyst Ann Fitz-Gerald said she was concerned by US and EU moves to take “punitive measures” against the government.
“The international community should be standing by the legitimate government of Ethiopia, and all three regions [Tigray, Amhara and Afar] affected by the conflict. It should call out the TPLF’s atrocities, and call on it to lay down arms,” she said, adding that there was also a need for the government to communicate more clearly and regularly.
Ann Fitz-Gerald
EU and US should rather be pressurizing the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) so that the legitimate government can be able to assist the people of Tigray who have suffered extermely because of the conflict. Maximum support on the legitimate government of Ethiopia would ensure protection and safety of the people of Tigray.
Whilst some believe that this move will make it more difficukt for the Ethiopian government to dela with the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) it also valid to say that this irrational decision will most probably fuel the increasing divisions between the East and the West with Africa in-betweeen.
Africa is one of the most blessed continents with its breathtaking environment, refreshing air and the ever growing wildlife population. Zimbabwe is one of these African countries filled with the best holiday destinations there are. Most of these destinations are sited in sort of urban areas but have the best “sort of” rural environment with breathtaking and mesmerizing sunsets and sunrises. This is the best holiday destinations in Zimbabwe.
Victoria Falls Located in the Western parts of Zimbabwe are the great waterfalls in the boarder of Zimbabwe and Zambia. Not very good with numbers but the Victoria Falls is considered as the largest sheet of falling water on earth and also recognized as one of the seven natural wonders of the world. In rain seasons, the spray thrown by the splashing waters can be seen from 48 kilometers away. It is because of this magnificent activity that gives the falls their indigenous “Mosi-oa-Tunya” translated as, “The smoke that thunders”. The falls face the Zimbabwean side of the boarder. From that side, you can experience some of the best panoramas of the plummeting water and the rainbows that hang suspended above the chasm. The sound can be so deafening and the spray can soak you to the skin, it’s like rain season throughout the year but this spectacle, is one to cherish.
Matobo National Park Located in the west parts of the country on the border with Botswana lies Hwange National Park which is recognized as the largest and oldest game reserve in the country. Wildlife is also one of the amazing things I love about Africa, Zimbabwe to be specific. The Park covers a vast expanse of around 14,650 kilometers and is refuge for over 100 species of mammals, including the big five. It is most famous for its huge elephants, in fact, the Hwange elephant population is believed to be one of the largest there is in the world. The park is also home to some of Africa’s rarest safari animals, including the African wild dog, the brown hyena and the critically endangered black rhino which you can see in the pictures I will upload at the end of this article. Birdlife is abundant here, with over 400 species recorded within the park. Accommodation in Hwange National Park varies from luxurious lodges located in their own private concessions, to rustic camps that offer the chance to spend a night under canvas in the heart of the African bush.
Chimanimani National Park On the eastern border of Zimbabwe with Mozambique lies the mountainous Chimanimani National Park, a place of stunning natural beauty. This place is so cool and awesome for those who love to take pictures, hike, camp and go wild in the Zimbabwean wilderness, the park is defined by plunging gorges, lush valleys and soaring peaks. The highest summits reach over 7,990 feet/2,400 meters. The lower parts of the park are covered by dense virgin forest, which provides shelter for elusive wildlife including eland, sable and blue duiker antelope (pictures in slide). Leopards roam free in the Chimanimani mountains and the birdlife is spectacular. This is also a good place to keep an eye out for Southern Africa’s smaller cat species. Amenities in the park include unpaved hiking trails, communal huts and a campsite with basic cooking and ablution facilities. Wild camping is also allowed throughout the park with the guidance of skilled game rangers and tour guides.
Chinhoyi Caves North central Zimbabwe embraces the mysterious Chinhoyi Caves. A subterranean system of limestone and dolomite caverns and tunnels, the caves are protected as park of Chinhoyi Caves National Park. Archeological findings like pottery and human remains uncovered here proved that they have been inhabited since at least the 1st century. Most famously, they provided a refuge from raiding tribes for Mashona chief Chinhoyi and his people so basically it is also a cultural site. The top attraction is the Wonder Hole, a collapsed cavern with sheer walls that drop into the crystalline Sleeping Pool. The glacial blue color of the lake’s water makes for impressive photographs, and from here, visitors can enter the illuminated Dark Cave. Chinhoyi is a popular destination for technical scuba divers mostly our beloved tourists. Excursions can be arranged through Harare-based dive center Scuba world & Universal Adventures.
Mana Pools Mana Pools National Park is located in the far north of the country, and is renowned as one of the most pristine nature areas in Zimbabwe. It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its incredible concentrations of wildlife, including elephant, buffalo, leopard and cheetah. Mana Pools is also a haven for water-based wildlife, with large populations of hippo and Nile crocodile. They live in the four pools that give the park its name, each one created by the Zambezi River before it altered its course to flow northward. The largest of these is approximately 3.7 miles/6 kilometers long and provides a valuable source of water even in the height of the dry season. The abundance of water makes this park a prime spot for birders, too. It’s also the best destination in the country for walking safaris and self-sufficient camping trips.
Lake Kariba On the northeast of Victoria Falls, the Zambezi River feeds into Lake Kariba, another exclusive water body located on the Zambian border. The lake was created after the construction of the Kariba Dam in 1959. Lake Kariba is the world’s largest man-made lake in terms of volume. It stretches for over 140 miles/220 kilometers in length, and measures 25 miles/40 kilometers across at its widest point. There are several magnificent lodges sited along the lake shores, but the traditional way to explore this place is on a houseboat, so mind blowing!! Kariba is renowned as one of the best places in the world to catch tiger fish, a ferocious freshwater species prized by sport fishermen for its strength and tenacity. The lake’s islands also offer ample opportunities for game viewing. Perhaps the most rewarding wildlife area is Matusadona National Park, located on Kariba’s southern shore. To be continued…
Africa Watch 24 