Last apartheid-era leader de Klerk to get pacemaker

FW de Klerk, the last leader of apartheid-era South Africa and a co-recipient of the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize with Nelson Mandela, is to be fitted with a pacemaker after falling ill.

FW de Klerk was a co-recipient of the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize with Nelson Mandela. Picture: AP

Former president Mr de Klerk, 77, felt dizzy after returning home from Europe on Sunday. He has suffered several similar spells of dizziness in recent weeks.

He will have a pacemaker implanted today to help his heart function and will spend the night in hospital.

He and his wife Elita previously announced they were suspending a working visit and holiday in Europe because Mr Mandela is critically ill.

Mr de Klerk and the anti-apartheid leader led negotiations that ended white racist rule.