Nelson Mandela became the first president of South Africa elected during a democratic election in 1994. After spending 27 years in prison for his anti-apartheid activism, Mandela was released in 1990 as apartheid began to dismantle. His election was a historic moment, as it marked the transition from decades of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination to a democratic government that emphasized equality and reconciliation. Mandela's presidency focused on national unity, social justice, and addressing the legacies of apartheid. He remains a global symbol of resistance against oppression and a key figure in efforts to promote human rights worldwide.