This Day in History: April 27, 1932
Additional Date: April 27, 1932
Roelof Frederik "Pik" Botha, Minister of Foreign Affairs in the government of President F.W. de Klerk was born in Rustenburg, Transvaal (now North West Province). Following the advent of democracy, Botha served in the Government of National Unity (GNU) under President Nelson Mandela as Minister of Energy and Minerals Affairs from 1994 until 1996. In 1996, he renounced his National Party membership and retired from politics when De Klerk withdrew from the GNU. However, in 2000 he surprised many when he made an about turn in politics, joined the African National Congress (ANC) and announced his support for Thabo Mbeki.