Wednesday, November 01, 2006

PW Botha dies peacefully

By Nadia Samie
1 November 2006


Former state president PW Botha died peacefully in his sleep after 8-o-clock last night. Botha, South Africa’s second last apartheid president, was 90-years-old.

Two weeks ago, the ‘Groot Krokodil’ was admitted to hospitable for what was thought to be a routine check-up. He died at his home in Wilderness on Tuesday evening, with his family at his side.

President Thabo Mbeki has conveyed his condolences to the family. In a statement, the ANC wished the family strength and comfort at this difficult time.

Botha's widow says that her late husband will receive a private burial. Earlier, speculation was rife as to whether or not Botha would receive a state funeral, a suggestion that has angered many anti-apartheid freedom fighters. The Reverend Frank Chikane went to the Southern Cape to extend the government’s condolences and discussion funeral arrangements.

Botha leaves behind his second wife, Barbara, children and grandchildren.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

it's hard to feel any sort of loss...the dude clearly had no regrets. What's funny is that he once accused Reverend Chikane of being a communist...this was just before he ordered the Council of Churches headquarters to be destroyed....it was burnt to the ground....
I really hope this guy at least made his peace with God...since he didn't bother making his peace with the people of South Africa who under his regime suffered so much....
State funeral my ASS!!!! If he's given that then I want one too!

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