Who shared the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize with Nelson Mandela?

F. W. de Klerk shared the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize with Nelson Mandela. The Norwegian Nobel Committee honoured both men for helping end apartheid and establish the foundations of a democratic South Africa.

De Klerk was South Africa’s last apartheid-era state president. After taking office in 1989, he unbanned the African National Congress and other organisations, released political prisoners and began negotiations with Mandela and other leaders.

Mandela and de Klerk often represented opposing political traditions, and negotiations were marked by severe violence and mistrust. Nevertheless, their talks produced agreements that enabled the 1994 democratic election. The prize recognised their joint contribution rather than suggesting that they had identical political roles or views.