Former President for South Africa Frederik Willem de Klerk has died aged 85.

De Klerk died peacefully at his home in Fresnaye, Cape Town on Thursday morning following a long battle with Mesothelioma Cancer, his foundation has said.

Frederik Willem de Klerk. PHOTO/COURTESY

Mesothelioma Cancer develops when asbestos fibres are inhaled or ingested and cause scarring and inflammation of the lining of the lungs, abdomen or heart.

He was born on March 18, 1936, in Johannesburg.

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He took over leadership of the National Party in February 1989 from Pieter (Pik) Willem Botha

de Klerk was the seventh President of South Africa from 1989 to 1994.

He also served as the first Deputy President of South Africa from 1994 to 1996 under Nelson Mandela

Frederik Willem de Klerk and Nelson Mandela. PHOTO/COURTESY

He announced the release of the former president of South Africa and anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela.

He was jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize with Mandela on December 10, 1993, in Oslo for their role in transitioning their country into a democracy and ending apartheid.

Frederik Willem de Klerk and Nelson Mandela. PHOTO/COURTESY

De Klerk is survived by his wife Elita, his children Jan and Susan and several grandchildren.