Lungani Zungu
Former South African president FW De Klerk is ailing but can do his work.
This is according to his foundation after reports that the former president had been admitted to hospital.
On Tuesday the foundation admitted, though, that De Klerk was receiving treatment for cancer but said in a statement: “There’s no discernible deterioration in his health”.
The 85-year-old former statesman announced in March that he had been diagnosed with mesothelioma.
This cancer affects the lining of the lungs, and its symptoms include chest pains, coughing and shortness of breath.
“He is now considering the continuation of the course of immunotherapy that he has been following for the past two months,” they said.
The foundation said De Klerk attended a board meeting on Monday and he also goes to the office three or four times a week.
“He and his wife, Elita, hope to travel to Greece for a holiday as soon as Covid regulations permit.”
De Klerk announced the release of Nelson Mandela in 1990 after 27 years in prison, paving the way for South Africa’s negotiated settlement.
He raised the ire of many people when he said last year that he did not believe that apartheid was a crime against humanity. He did, however, say apartheid could not be justified.
His family has asked for privacy.
Image source: @deklerk_fw
