The former president of South Africa, FW de Klerk, has died at the age of 85.

Head of state between September 1989 and May 1994, he was a key figure in the nation's transition to democracy and was the last white man to lead the country.

This archive footage from January shows de Klerk's last public appearance.

The FW De Foundation has announced the passing of South Africa’s last apartheid president. The 85 year old former head of state was diagnosed with cancer a few months ago.

De Klerk announced the release of Nelson Mandela on 2 February 1990 setting the stage for negotiations for a new democratic dispensation in South Africa. Together with Mandela he was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize.

De Klerk served as a deputy president to Mandela in the post 1994 government of national unity. De Klerk after two years resigned from his post and retired from politics.

Footage shows De Klerk at his last public appearance on 31 January 2020. He together with his wife, Elita, attended the annual conference of his foundation which celebrated his speech on 2 February 1990 which heralded the end of white rule in South Africa.