The major event that symbolizes the end of apartheid in South Africa is the first multiracial elections held in 1994. These elections marked a significant turning point in the nation's history, allowing citizens of all races to participate in the electoral process. Nelson Mandela, a leading figure in the anti-apartheid movement and a former political prisoner, became the country's first black president. This milestone was celebrated globally, as it signified the triumph of democracy and equality over decades of institutionalized racial segregation. The event also laid the groundwork for national reconciliation and the ongoing process of healing in South Africa.