In 1989, Botha suffered a stroke; although he would retain the state presidency, he stepped down as leader of the National Party, to be replaced by F. W. de Klerk
Mu 1989, Botha anadwala matenda akufa ziwalo,.Ngakhale kuti adakhalabe mtsogoleri wa dziko wa boma, adatsika pansi ngati mtsogoleri wa National Party, ndipo m'malo mwake adasinthidwa ndi FW de Klerk