The notable event that marked the end of apartheid in South Africa was the election of Nelson Mandela as president in 1994. This historic election represented the culmination of decades of struggle against racial oppression and segregation. Following years of negotiations, the democratic electoral process allowed all South Africans, regardless of race, to participate in governance. Mandela's leadership symbolized hope and reconciliation, promoting national unity and the dismantling of systemic racial discrimination. The transition marked a significant shift towards building an inclusive society and inspired global movements for justice and equality.