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...
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