South Africa’s former president De Klerk to have pacemaker surgery

The last president of Apartheid South Africa, F.W. De Klerk, was admitted to hospital and will have a pacemaker installed, his foundation said on Tuesday.

“Mr. De Klerk felt dizzy and saw his specialist yesterday. He has had several such spells in recent weeks and his specialist recommended the immediate installation of a pacemaker. He will be fitted with a pacemaker later today and will spend the night in hospital,” according to the statement.

Mr. De Klerk, 77, was awarded the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize alongside Nelson Mandela, who is currently in hospital in critical condition.

Mr. De Klerk returned to South Africa from Europe over the weekend, citing Mr. Mandela’s ill health as the reason for cutting his holiday short.