On this day in history: P.W. Botha resigned from the NP

Former leader of the National Party (NP) and head of state, P.W. Botha resigned as state president on 14 August 1989 after suffering a stroke. He was later coerced to leave the presidency as well in the midst of rising political instability, growing economic problems and diplomatic isolation.

Both was first elected to Parliament in 1948 and was very outspoken in his opposition against majority rule and international communism. His administration did make concessions to political reform, whereas internal unrest saw widespread human rights abuses at the hands of the government.

In F. W. de Klerk’s 1992 referendum, Botha campaigned for people to vote against de Klerk’s policy. He saw opening the door to black majority rule as irresponsible. In early 1998, when Botha refused to testify at the Mandela government’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, he was supported by the right-wing Conservative Party.

For his refusal to testify, he was fined and given a suspended jail sentence for crimes against human rights. Shortly before his death in late 2006, he renewed his opposition towards egalitarian democracy in favour of a confederate system based on the principles of “separate development”.

Source: SA History