A backlash set in against Mandela 's positive eulogies . Detractors accused him of being a Communist , terrorist , racist . In transitioning from the segregationist regime to a non-racial democracy , he partnered closely with his white predecessor , former President Frederik Willem de Klerk , who shared the Nobel Peace Prize with him . There is some truth to some of the allegations . He had a close relationship with Gandhi and joined a militant group .
A backlash set in against Mandela 's positive eulogies . Detractors accused him of being a Communist , terrorist , racist . There is some truth to some of the allegations . He had a close relationship with Gandhi and joined a militant group .