By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
A state memorial service will be held for former president FW de Klerk in Cape Town on Sunday.
This is according to a statement by the government which said that the service would take place at the Groote Kerk at 10:30. However, attendance would be limited due to COVID-19 regulations and only accredited media personnel will have access to the venue.
De Klerk was buried in a private ceremony at an undisclosed location last month.
He died at his home in Fresnaye, Cape Town, on 11 November after battling mesothelioma cancer.
The news was shared in a statement by the foundation, which read: “It is with the deepest sadness that the FW de Klerk Foundation must announce that former President FW de Klerk died peacefully at his home in Fresnaye earlier this morning following his struggle against mesothelioma cancer.
His death, coupled with a video released by the foundation in which he has apologised for the damage caused to non-whites during the apartheid regime, sparked mixed reactions from citizens in the country.
In the video which was shared moments after the foundation had announced his passing, De Klerk said his views on apartheid had changed significantly since the 1980s.
He apologised for the damage which apartheid caused to non-whites.
The apology, he said, was not only in his capacity as the former leader of the National Party, but also as an individual.
The 85-year-old is survived by his wife, Elita, children, Susan and Jan, and his grandchildren.