F.W. de Clerk presented the Trinity Praeses Elit Award

Posted on: 20 January 2017

Nobel Peace Prize winner F.W. de Klerk has been presented Trinity College Law Society’s Praeses Elit Award in recognition of his key role in ending apartheid and his outstanding contribution to reconciliation in South Africa.

“The Trinity Praeses Elit Award is awarded to individuals who have advanced discourse in their line of work, and who have been a source of inspiration for young people everywhere” explained Hilary Hogan, auditor of the Trinity Law Society.

“In 1990, F.W. de Klerk made the decision to release Nelson Mandela from prison, and subsequently acted as his deputy President. The two men worked together to combat racial segregation, and their extraordinary legacy led to radical change in one of the world’s most divided nations. His work as a parliamentarian, coupled with his promotion of democracy through the F.W. de Klerk Foundation, make him worthy recipient of this prestigious award. We are delighted and honoured to welcome him to the Law Society, and to present him with the Praeses Elit award,” added Hilary.

At the special event, F.W. de Clerk addressed students in a capacity filled Synge lecture theatre.

The Trinity Praeses Elit is awarded by Trinity College Law Society to those who have advanced discourse in their line of work, and who have been a source of inspiration for young people everywhere. Recent recipients include Louise Arbour (2014), Navi Pillay (2014), Mary McAleese (2015), Alex Salmond (2015), Jeremy Paxman (2016) and Sir Bob Geldof (2016).