/ 22 June 2006

De Klerk off ventilator

Former president FW de Klerk, recovering in hospital following surgery to remove a malignant colon tumour, is completely off his ventilator, a family spokesperson said on Thursday.

”He’s doing very well and we’re all very pleased with his progress,” said Dave Steward.

Steward did not want to be drawn on a possible release date, saying this was up to the doctors and De Klerk’s recuperative powers.

De Klerk has been in hospital for close on a month, having developed respiratory complications after the initial surgery. — Sapa