Nelson Mandela became the president of South Africa in 1994, following the country’s first multiracial elections. After spending 27 years in prison for his anti-apartheid activism, Mandela emerged as a leading figure in the fight against racial segregation. His election marked a significant turning point in South African history, symbolizing the end of decades of institutionalized racism and the beginning of a new democratic era. Mandela's presidency focused on reconciliation, nation-building, and addressing social inequalities, and he remains a global icon for peace and justice.