Читать книгу Elita and her life with F.W. de Klerk - M Meiring - Страница 3

Delving into the lives of others is an awkward business. Initially, for Elita and FW de Klerk, a book like this was out of the question. But after much hesitation and pondering, they agreed to a series of interviews, in spite of their demanding schedule. They even allowed access to their diaries and photograph albums and made no demands or conditions. For all this I shall never be able to thank them adequately. As a journalist, I would also like to express my appreciation for their acceptance that since their story in part played out in the public domain, it held a strong element of newsworthiness.

Numerous conversations and interviews were also held with friends and family members. I would like to thank Nadia Lanaras, Maria Geurtsos, Jonathan Hudson, Ada Papadopoulos, George Lanaras, Niki Sergaki, Marianne Louw, Una Ramsay, Jeanette Curitz, Theresa Papenfus, the late Koos Rupert, Dave Steward, George and Tharina Joubert, Nico and Ruda Retief, Nontas Andries, Fana and Wilma Malherbe, Sakkie and Hettie de Klerk, and in particular Brenda Steyn, who went to considerable trouble to collect information for me.

My special thanks go also to Marinus Wiechers, who made available Marike de Klerk’s correspondence with him. We both believe, from our personal knowledge of Marike, that these last letters provide some insight into her humour and courage.

Finally I would like to express my thanks to my patient publisher, Erika Oosthuysen, copy editor Suzette Kotzè-Myburgh, proof reader Estelle Crowson and designer Nazli Jacobs.

Martie Retief Meiring

January 2008