The famous South African leader known for his role in ending apartheid is Nelson Mandela. After spending 27 years in prison for his anti-apartheid activism, Mandela became a symbol of the struggle against racial oppression. Upon his release in 1990, he played a crucial role in negotiating the end of apartheid, promoting reconciliation and nation-building in a divided South Africa. In 1994, Mandela became the country’s first Black president in its first multiracial elections. His leadership emphasized forgiveness and unity, establishing him as a global icon of peace and social justice.