Former President De Klerk set about dismantling the Apartheid regime through legal reforms which included unbanning the ANC and other political parties, releasing jailed ANC leader Nelson Mandela and repealing a number of racial segregation laws; the Natives Land Act, Group Areas Act, Population Registration Act and Reservation of Separate Amenities Act.

De Klerk’s goal in this reform, was to pave the way for “a new, democratic constitution” with “universal franchise, equality before an independent judiciary, the protection of minorities as well as of individual rights, freedom of religion, a sound economy based on proven economic principles and private enterprise, and dynamic programmes directed at better education, health services, housing and social conditions for all.”