Christo van der Rheede has stepped down from his position at the FW de Klerk Foundation with immediate effect, the organisation announced on Tuesday.

Van der Rheede initially tendered his resignation on 19 August and was scheduled to leave his post on 31 December. The foundation confirmed in a press statement that his last working day will now be 30 September.

Departure brought forward after controversy

“It was a special privilege to lead the FW de Klerk Foundation, and I am incredibly proud of the constitutional advocacy work our team delivered,” Van der Rheede said in the statement.

He added that his focus will shift towards using decades of experience across various sectors to promote tangible economic empowerment, support community-level development and mentor emerging leaders. “I leave the foundation knowing it is well positioned to continue its impact,” he said.

Foundation distances itself from statements

The foundation previously distanced itself from Van der Rheede’s public statements about the United States government’s stance on South African policy. The board said it would distance itself from any statement made on behalf of the foundation from the date Van der Rheede notified them of his intention to resign.

The development followed Van der Rheede’s recent public comments on the strained relationship between South Africa and the United States.

The foundation’s board formally accepted Van der Rheede’s resignation and expressed appreciation for his “dedicated service, energy and leadership”. He served as executive director from January 2024.

The statements and public debate they prompted remain a matter requiring the foundation’s attention.

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Board reaffirms focus on constitutional mandate

“The board of the FW de Klerk Foundation has also noted recent commentary and opinions by various role players, stakeholders and individuals about the work and focus of the foundation,” the press statement read.

“The board confirms that the foundation will remain focused on its mandate and will not be used as a platform or vehicle for alternative agendas or personal objectives that do not relate to that mandate.

“The board will not respond to such remarks and will continue with its work as planned within the framework of its mandate.

“The foundation remains sensitive to the ongoing debate about legacy, legitimacy and constitutional memory in South Africa. Its mandate remains grounded in its founding documents, the Constitution, reconciliation and the responsible preservation of a contentious but meaningful democratic legacy.”

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