Nelson Mandela was the prominent leader of the African National Congress (ANC) in the fight against apartheid in South Africa. He became a central figure in the anti-apartheid movement, advocating for civil rights, racial equality, and social justice. Mandela's activism led to his imprisonment for 27 years, where he remained a symbol of resistance against racial oppression. After his release in 1990, he played a pivotal role in negotiating the end of apartheid and transitioning South Africa towards democracy. In 1994, he became the country's first Black president, embodying the struggle for freedom and unity.