FW de Klerk willem

Photo: Supplied

Just in: FW de Klerk’s son, Willem, confirmed dead on Wednesday

Willem de Klerk has passed away on Wednesday, his family’s foundation confirmed earlier. His father, FW de Klerk, has paid tribute to his ‘courageous’ son.

FW de Klerk willem

Photo: Supplied

Willem de Klerk, the son of former president FW de Klerk, has passed away on Wednesday 7 October. The news was shared by the family’s foundation, who posted a brief update on the matter through their website.

According to the information at hand, the Western Cape resident died as a result of his cancer diagnosis. Aged just 53, the disease had been a long-term battle for de Klerk Jnr, and he was described as being ‘courageous’ in the face of this illness.

FWDK mourns death of son

He passed away in his Durbanville home. The de Klerks have expressed their ‘deepest sadness’ at the loss of Willem. They have also confirmed that an update on funeral arrangements will be shared in due course:

“It is with the deepest sadness that FW de Klerk announces that his son, Willem (53), died last night in Durbanville after a courageous battle against cancer. The family will, in due course, make a further announcement regarding funeral arrangements.”

The FW de Klerk Foundation on the passing of Willem de Klerk
  • They also posted the message in Afrikaans

“Dit is met die grootste hartseer waarmee FW de Klerk aankondig dat sy seun, Willem (53), gisteraand oorlede is in Durbanville na ‘n dapper stryd teen kanker. Die familie sal mettertyd ‘n verdere verklaring uitreik betreffende begrafnis reelings.”

A former president loses his son: Who was Willem de Klerk?

Willem is survived by his father, and two siblings Jan and Susan. He avoided the political arena and instead chose to work in public relations, and industry he had served in for the best part of 30 years. The son of the former president was known for his ‘whirlwind romances’, but his love affairs often ended in unflattering circumstances.

The de Klerk family are expected to publish a follow-up statement later on Wednesday.