The historical event that marked the end of apartheid in South Africa was the democratic elections of 1994, which resulted in Nelson Mandela's election as the country's first Black president. The dismantling of apartheid, a system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination, had begun in the early 1990s with negotiations between the apartheid government and anti-apartheid leaders, including Mandela. The elections symbolized a significant shift towards equality and human rights in South Africa, establishing a new era of democratic governance. This moment is commemorated annually with public celebrations, reflecting the country's ongoing journey towards reconciliation and social justice.