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TIME: Almanac 1990
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1990 Time Magazine Compact Almanac, The (1991)(Time).iso
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021389
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02138900.020
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1990-09-17
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WORLD, Page 56World NotesSOUTH AFRICAHeading for The Exit
Shortly after suffering a stroke three weeks ago, South African
State President P.W. Botha gave every indication he would soon
resume power. But last week Botha, 73, who was partly paralyzed by
his illness, surprised even his closest colleagues by abruptly
resigning as leader of the ruling National Party. He stays on,
however, as President until elections, expected by summer.
A caucus quickly elected Frederik W. de Klerk, 52, to replace
Botha. Party leader of the populous Transvaal province and
Education Minister in Botha's Cabinet, De Klerk has been heir
apparent for the past seven years. He is a conservative and an
apartheid advocate, a younger, more articulate version of P.W.
Botha and, like him, happy with a glacial pace of "reform" that
nonetheless maintains minority white control.
De Klerk is now the clear favorite to assume the job of State
President when Botha steps down after leading the party to victory
at the polls. Because splitting the duties of the two offices holds
the potential for conflict, Botha's move increased speculation that
he will call for elections sooner rather than later.