The Other Man: F.W.de Klerk and the End of Apartheid

The film, The Other Man: F.W.de Klerk and the End of Apartheid, is an enthralling journey into one of the most transformative periods in South African history. Released in 2014, this documentary focuses on the life and choices made by South Africa’s last white president, F.W. de Klerk. The film features profound commentary by the key individuals from that era, including Thabo Mbeki, the former president of South Africa, and de Klerk himself.

This documentary is a deep dive into the personal and political journey of F.W. de Klerk, giving a comprehensive account of how he came to be one of the most influential figures in bringing an end to the horrible practice of apartheid in South Africa. De Klerk emerges as a complicated protagonist, torn between the mounting international pressure against apartheid, the traditions and expectations of his Afrikaner culture, and his burgeoning realisation of the inherent injustice of racial segregation.

In the film, director Nicholas Rossier masterfully intertwines biographical details of de Klerk's upbringing, family setting, and political career with his unexpected decision to dismantle apartheid, free Nelson Mandela, and negotiate a transition to a non-racial government. The documentary employs historical footage and conversations with insiders, including Thabo Mbeki and de Klerk’s chief negotiator, Roelf Meyer, to give us a dramatic and insightful narrative that unfolds the complexities of one of the world’s most brutal regimes.

One of the strengths of ‘The Other Man: F.W. de Klerk and the End of Apartheid’ is the way it lays bare the delicate and tension-filled negotiations between the African National Congress (ANC) and the National Party. Behind-the-scenes interviews reveal the magnitude of these negotiations and the mistrust that surrounded every discussion. Thabo Mbeki’s input in the film, reflecting on the negotiations and the role of de Klerk, adds authenticity and a unique perspective to the narrative – a view from both sides of the spectrum.

Throughout the documentary, de Klerk emerges as a figure of several contradictions. Deeply influenced by his conservative political upbringing, he rose through the ranks of the white Afrikaner dominated National Party. Yet, it was he who made the monumental decision to dismantle the same political structure that had helped him gain power, precipitating the end of one of the most repressive regimes of the 20th century. This contrast, explored thoroughly by the filmmakers, makes the Dr Jekyll-Mr Hyde nature of de Klerk both fascinating and controversial.

F.W.de Klerk’s decision to release Nelson Mandela from prison and his subsequent efforts at reconciliation are also an important part of the film. The Other Man explores this in the backdrop of the culmination of global pressures, highlighting how these steps towards change were also strategic moves to avoid a complete isolation of South Africa.

The director has made a commendable effort not to shy away from exploring the criticism and debate surrounding de Klerk's decision. The documentary looks at the contrasting views about whether he was a benevolent reformer or merely a pragmatist responding to international pressures, while also examining the controversies surrounding his awareness and involvement in the state-sanctioned violence that occurred during his presidency.

In conclusion, The Other Man: F.W.de Klerk and the End of Apartheid is a powerful, compelling mix of biography, history, and political analysis. The film successfully depicts the complexities of the apartheid era, the intricacies of political negotiations that marked the transition to democracy, and the man – F.W. de Klerk – who stood at the heart of it. It makes us ponder the enigma that is de Klerk – was he the hero who ended apartheid, or was he the other man, forced by circumstances, to play a game-changing role in the annals of history?