The first President of South Africa elected in a fully representative democratic election was Nelson Mandela. He took office on May 10, 1994, after the first multiracial elections, which marked the end of decades of apartheid—a system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination. Mandela, a key figure in the struggle against apartheid, had spent 27 years in prison for his activism. As President, he focused on reconciliation, nation-building, and addressing the socio-economic issues facing the country. His presidency was a historic milestone for democracy and a significant moment in the fight for human rights globally.