FW de Klerk: Former President Reveals Cancer Diagnoses on Birthday

FW de Klerk: Former President Reveals Cancer Diagnoses on Birthday

- Former president FW de Klerk revealed that he has been diagnosed with cancer recently

- De Klerk's foundation made the announcement through its website on the former presidents 85th birthday

- The foundation stated that De Klerk will be undergoing immunotherapy treatment for cancer from next week

PAY ATTENTION: Join Briefly News' Telegram channel! Never miss important updates!

Former South African president FW de Klerk announced on his 85th birthday that he has been diagnosed with cancer. De Klerk was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer that affects lungs tissues.

According to the FW de Klerk Foundation, the former president will be starting a course of immunotherapy, a treatment that either activates or suppresses the immune system. De Klerk's foundation revealed that there is 'no immediate threat'.

It added that it is confident that De Klerk's treatment will be successful. The 85-year-old is expected to begin his treatment next week.

Read also

Princess says "only God knows" who will succeed King Goodwill Zwelithini

FW de Klerk diagnosed with cancer, reveals on 85th birthday
The FW de Klerk foundation revealed that the former president has been diagnosed with cancer. Image: Loanna Hoffmann/Foto24/Gallo Images and Foto24/Gallo Images
Source: Getty Images

EWN revealed that mesothelioma is caused by asbestos. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, asbestos is a series of minerals that separates into long flexible fibres. The materials were formerly used as firefighting insulation.

A report by News24 stated that De Klerk had lost his son 53-year-old son, Willem, to cancer.

De Klerk received the Nobel Peace Prize with late president Nelson Mandela. De Klerk played a big role in ending the Apartheid regime in South Africa and is known across the globe for his work in a peaceful end to the horrible past of the country.

Briefly.co.za previously reported on De Klerk after Dali Mpofu wanted his Nobel Prize stripped. Advocate Dali Mpofu committed to a campaign aimed at the stripping of the prize.

Briefly.co.za reported that the Red Berets had called for the same in a statement released in response to De Klerk reiterating his view that apartheid was not a crime against humanity.

Read also

David Mabuza explains disappearing during height of pandemic in SA

The former EFF national chairperson had tested the waters over the weekend to determine if there was enough interest in the campaign:

"That's It! Enough is enough! If you think apartheid was a crime against humanity please join me in a non-partisan Citizens Campaign to approach the Nobel Foundation to take back the Nobel Peace Prize from FW de Klerk! At 10 000 retweets, we launch formally! Lets go! #BringBackThePrize."

Enjoyed reading our story? Download BRIEFLY's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major South African news!

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Reeshni Chetty avatar

Reeshni Chetty Reeshni Chetty is a senior current affairs reporter. The Damelin journalism and media studies graduate was top of her class with 16 distinctions and she boasts experience in radio, print and digital media. When Reeshni is not rushing to bring you the most important and breaking news in current affairs, she's raising awareness around mental health. Reeshni has a passion for breaking the stigma surrounding mental health issues.