PW BOTHA’S LETTER OF RESIGNATION AS LEADER OF THE NATIONAL PARTY

On the morning of 2 February, 1989 – without any prior notification – President PW Botha sent the following letter to Mr Boet Bothma,  the Chairman of the National Party caucus,  informing the caucus that he had decided to step down as the party’s leader.

“Dear friend

Arising from the setback to my health, I would appreciate it if you would present this letter to the caucus.

In my opinion the office of the state president and the office of leadership of the National Party should now be separated.

I would accordingly appreciate it if the caucus of the National Party would now fill the post of the leader so that I can be put in a position to continue only with the office of state president.

The state presidency will then, to a considerable degree, become a unifying force in the country.

I thank all my friends for their trust and friendship in the past.

It is my innermost prayer that that you will receive the special grace of God Almighty.

With sincere wishes to you all.

Wishing you prosperity and blessings.

PW Botha”

 

The FW de Klerk Foundation Annual Conference

The FW de Klerk Foundation Annual Conference – hosted in conjunction with the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung – took place on 31 January 2025. The theme of this year’s conference is: “South Africa’s Position in the World Today”.
 

 Esteemed speakers include Ambassador Andreas Peschke (Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany); Magda Wierzycka (CEO of Sygnia); Dr Harlan Cloete (Local Governance and Public Leadership – Research Fellow) and Johan “Rassie” Erasmus (Springbok Coach).