Name : Dylan steiner

Grade 12
History project
1.
Source E :
"FW De Klerk announced Mandela's release from prison and lifted the ban on
anti-apartheid groups in a historic speech to South Africa's parliament in 1990.
The announcement marked a turning point in South Africa's struggle against
apartheid, leading to Mandela's eventual election as the country's first Black
president. De Klerk and Mandela were later awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for
their efforts in moving South Africa towards democracy."

“It was de Klerk who in a speech to South Africa's parliament on Feb. 2, 1990,
announced that Mandela would be released from prison after 27 years. The
announcement electrified a country that for decades had been scorned and sanctioned
by much of the world for its brutal system of racial discrimination known as apartheid.

With South Africa's isolation deepening and its once-solid economy deteriorating, de
Klerk, who had been elected president just five months earlier, also announced in the
same speech the lifting of a ban on the African National Congress and other anti-
apartheid political groups.

Amid gasps, several members of parliament members left the chamber as he spoke.

Nine days later, Mandela walked free.

Four years after that, Mandela was elected the country's first Black president as Black
South Africans voted for the first time.

By then, de Klerk and Mandela had been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 for
their often-tense cooperation in moving South Africa away from institutionalized racism
and toward democracy”.

Source F :
This is an excerpt from a letter written by Nelson Mandela to
F.W. De Klerk, while he was imprisoned.

“In the face of the two critical issues which stand in the way of the transition to
democracy, you have chosen to raise other issues as matters requiring urgent
negotiations. Instead of addressing the critical issues with the statesmanship they
require your entire letter takes the form of a party political reply. Perhaps this confusion
on your side is understandable in the context of your being the head of the NP
government. But it is inexcusable in the context of your persistent claims based on the
right to govern and your position as State President.

Your charges against the ANC and its Allies are part of the baggage of apartheid
ideology. We reject with contempt your propagandistic version of what is supposed to
be happening inside the ANC and the Alliance. It has been the tradition of successive
National Party regimes to try to discredit our Movement on the basis that you know
black people better than black people know themselves.

With the right to peaceful demonstration goes our inherent right to determine its nature
and aims. The dangers of further violence must be laid at the doors of those who are
resisting change. Successive NP regimes have always sought to crush our mass
campaigns by raising the spectre of violence and disruption as being inherent in our
campaigns. This was so in the case of the Defiance Campaign of 1952, the Freedom
Charter Campaign of 1955, the Alexander Bus Boycott of 1957, the numerous national
stay aways, etc, including those of the recent period.”

2.Source A :

is an extract from FW De Klerk's speech on 2 February 1990, announcing the release of

Nelson Mandela and setting out the government's aims for a peaceful transition to
democracy in South Africa. De Klerk argues that it is time to break out of the cycle of
violence and work towards peace and reconciliation. He outlines the government's
commitment to a new, democratic constitution, universal franchise, equality, and
protection of individual rights. De Klerk also acknowledges Mandela's role in the
peaceful political process and his willingness to contribute constructively. He states that
the government has taken a firm decision to release Mandela unconditionally and that
the decision will be implemented soon.

Source A is a valuable primary source that provides insight into De Klerk's intentions
and motives as president of South Africa during a critical time in the country's history. It
offers an account of the government's actions towards achieving a peaceful political
transition, including the release of Nelson Mandela. The speech provides a framework
for understanding the government's approach to reconciliation and democratic reform,
highlighting their aims and goals for a new South Africa. Additionally, the speech
highlights De Klerk's acknowledgment of Mandela's role in the peace process, which is
crucial to understanding the relationship between the two leaders during this period.

Evaluation:
Origin: The source is a transcript of an iconic speech delivered by FW De Klerk, the
President of South Africa, on 2 February 1990. It can be considered a primary source as
it provides a firsthand account of De Klerk's views and actions.

Purpose: The purpose of the speech was to address the issue of conflict and violence in
South Africa and to announce the government's intention to pursue peace and
reconciliation. It was also meant to demonstrate the government's willingness to engage
in dialogue and discussion with leaders who seek peace.

Value: The source is valuable for understanding De Klerk's perspective on the need for
peace and reconciliation in South Africa. It provides insights into the government's
efforts to end the cycle of violence and achieve a democratic South Africa. The speech
also marks a significant turning point in South African history, as it was the
announcement of the release of Nelson Mandela from prison.

Limitation: The source has some limitations as it presents De Klerk's perspective and does not
provide a comprehensive view of the situation in South Africa at the time. It also does not
address the role that De Klerk played in the apartheid regime, which is a significant part of his
contested legacy.

Source B :
A photograph of FW De Klerk holding hands with the newly
elected President Nelson Mandela taken in Cape Town in 1994.
Photo By Jerry Holt/Star Tribune via Getty Images

Summary: The source is a photograph captured in Cape Town in

1994, depicting former South African President FW De Klerk and
newly elected President Nelson Mandela holding hands. The
image is symbolic of the historic moment in which power was
peacefully transferred from the apartheid regime to a democratic
government led by Mandela.
Usefulness: The photograph is a powerful visual representation of
the momentous event in South African history when Mandela
became the country's first black president. It provides a glimpse of
the spirit of reconciliation and unity that De Klerk and Mandela
sought to promote during the transition from apartheid to
democracy. As a primary source, it offers an unfiltered, unedited
view of the historic moment and the emotions that accompanied
it. The image can be used as a powerful teaching tool in
classrooms, helping students understand the significance of the
moment and the challenges that lay ahead in building a new
democratic society.

Evaluation: Origin: The photograph was taken by Jerry Holt, a

photojournalist for the Star Tribune newspaper in Minnesota,
USA. The origin of the photograph is reliable as the Star Tribune
is a reputable news source, and Jerry Holt is an experienced
photojournalist who has won multiple awards for his work.

Purpose: The purpose of the photograph was to document the

historic moment of the transfer of power from the apartheid
regime to a democratic government led by Mandela. It was taken
for journalistic purposes and intended to be published in
newspapers and magazines worldwide.

Value: The photograph has high historical value as it captures a

significant moment in South African history that had a profound
impact on the country's trajectory. As a primary source, it provides
an unfiltered view of the moment and can be used to help future
generations understand the significance of the moment.
Limitation: The photograph captures only a single moment in time
and does not provide context or information about the complex
political and social dynamics that led up to the moment. As a
visual medium, it can be subject to interpretation and
manipulation, potentially limiting its accuracy in conveying the
historical event.
Source C :
The cartoon depicts FW De Klerk in a lineup of Nobel laureates
with a caption above reading "Nobel Peace Prize Winners", and
De Klerk saying, "I'm with them". The cartoon appears to be
commenting on the debate surrounding the decision to include De
Klerk in a commemorative series of mini statues at the V&A
Waterfront in Cape Town, which would honor South African
recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize.

Usefulness: This source provides insight into the public

perception and debate surrounding De Klerk's legacy in 2005,
particularly in relation to his status as a Nobel laureate. It can be
useful in understanding how different segments of society viewed
De Klerk's role in the transition to democracy and his contribution
to peace in South Africa. However, as a cartoon, it is a subjective
interpretation of events and should be taken as such. It may also
be limited in its usefulness as it only provides a brief snapshot of
public opinion at a specific point in time.

Origin: The source is a political cartoon by South African

cartoonist Zapiro. It was likely created for publication in a South
African newspaper or magazine in 2005.
Purpose: The purpose of the cartoon is to comment on the debate
surrounding the decision to include De Klerk in a commemorative
series of mini statues at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. The
cartoonist is expressing a point of view on the appropriateness of
honoring De Klerk alongside other Nobel laureates.

Value: As a primary source, this cartoon provides a unique

perspective on the debate surrounding De Klerk's legacy and his
status as a Nobel laureate. It highlights the diversity of opinions
on this issue and can be useful in understanding the complexity of
public opinion in South Africa. However, as a political cartoon, it is
subjective and may not accurately reflect the opinions of the
broader public.
Source D :
Summary: This source is an obituary written by Sebastian
Schwarz, the grandson of an opposition Member of Parliament
who served in FW De Klerk's cabinet, on the complex legacy that
De Klerk has left behind. The obituary discusses De Klerk's
unique role in history, only comparable to a handful of 20th
century leaders such as Mikhail Gorbachev. It also explores the
perceived motivations behind De Klerk's actions and how they
defined his legacy.

Usefulness: This source is useful in understanding the contested

legacy of FW De Klerk as it provides an interesting perspective
from someone who has a personal connection to him. The author,
being the grandson of a politician who served under De Klerk, has
an insider's view into the workings of the government during De
Klerk's presidency. The source also delves into De Klerk's
motivations, an important aspect when evaluating his legacy.

Purpose: The purpose of this obituary is to provide an analysis of

FW De Klerk's legacy, highlighting his unique and morally
complex role in history. The author also seeks to explore the
motivations behind De Klerk's actions and how they have defined
his legacy.

Origin: This source was written by Sebastian Schwarz, a UK-

based writer and political commentator. Schwarz is the grandson
of a politician who served in FW De Klerk's cabinet, giving him a
unique perspective on De Klerk's presidency. The source was
published in The Guardian, a well-respected British newspaper
known for its high-quality journalism.

Limitation: One limitation of this source is that it is an obituary

written shortly after De Klerk's death, meaning that the author did
not have the benefit of hindsight to assess De Klerk's legacy in its
entirety. Additionally, the author's personal connection to De
Klerk's presidency may have biased his analysis. Lastly, the
source is a single perspective and should be read in conjunction
with other sources to provide a more complete understanding of
De Klerk's legacy.
Source E :
Summary: FW De Klerk's speech to South Africa's parliament in
1990 announcing the release of Nelson Mandela and the lifting of
the ban on anti-apartheid groups marked a turning point in South
Africa's struggle against apartheid. De Klerk and Mandela were
later awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts in moving
South Africa towards democracy.

Usefulness: The source provides valuable information on the key

role that FW De Klerk played in the release of Nelson Mandela
and the eventual transition of South Africa towards democracy. It
highlights the significance of the announcement and its impact on
the country's struggle against apartheid.

Purpose: The purpose of the source is to inform readers about

the historic speech made by FW De Klerk to South Africa's
parliament in 1990, which led to the release of Nelson Mandela
and the lifting of the ban on anti-apartheid groups. The source
aims to highlight the significance of this announcement and its
role in the eventual transition of South Africa towards democracy.

Origin: The source is a news article published by NBC News, a

major news organization in the United States. The article does not
provide information about the specific author or sources used in
its creation.

Value: The source provides an important historical record of the

events surrounding the release of Nelson Mandela and the
transition of South Africa towards democracy. It also provides
insight into the role played by FW De Klerk, who was previously
known for his support of apartheid, in the dismantling of the
system.
Limitations: The source does not provide information on the
specific author or sources used in its creation, which limits the
ability to assess its reliability and potential bias. Additionally, the
article does not provide in-depth analysis of the impact of the
speech and its long-term effects on South Africa, which limits the
depth of understanding that can be gained from the source.

Source F :
Summary: This is an excerpt from a letter written by Nelson
Mandela to F.W. De Klerk while he was imprisoned. Mandela
accuses De Klerk of avoiding critical issues and responding with a
party political reply. He also dismisses De Klerk's charges against
the ANC and its allies as propaganda rooted in the apartheid
ideology.

Usefulness: This letter is useful in providing insight into the

relationship between Mandela and De Klerk during the apartheid
era in South Africa. It highlights the tensions and disagreements
between the two leaders, particularly in regards to the transition to
democracy.

Purpose: The purpose of this letter is to challenge De Klerk's

actions and statements as head of the National Party
government. Mandela is seeking to assert the African National
Congress (ANC)'s position and defend it against De Klerk's
attacks. It is also a call to action for De Klerk to address the
critical issues that stand in the way of a transition to democracy.
Origin: The origin of this letter is from Robben Island, where
Mandela was imprisoned during apartheid in South Africa. The
letter was written to F.W. De Klerk, who was the State President
of South Africa at the time.

Limitations and Value: The limitations of this source are that it

only provides one side of the conversation and does not provide
any context or background to the issues being discussed.
Additionally, since it is a letter, it is a personal and emotional
communication between two individuals and may not necessarily
reflect the broader political situation at the time. However, the
letter is valuable in providing a glimpse into the mindset and
actions of one of the key players in the transition from apartheid to
democracy in South Africa. It also sheds light on the complex and
tense relationship between Mandela and De Klerk, and their
differing perspectives on the path towards democracy.