Events that signaled the end of apartheid in South Africa included the release of Nelson Mandela from prison in 1990, the unbanning of the African National Congress (ANC), and the subsequent multiracial elections in 1994. Mandela's release was a pivotal moment, symbolizing hope for a peaceful transition from apartheid to a democratic society. The rise of widespread protests and international pressure further compelled the apartheid regime to engage in negotiations. The 1994 elections marked a historic turning point, as Mandela was elected the first black president of South Africa, officially ending decades of institutionalized racial segregation and oppression.