The first president of South Africa elected in a fully representative election was Nelson Mandela. Elected in 1994, after decades of anti-apartheid activism, Mandela's victory represented a significant turning point in the nation's history. His presidency marked the end of institutionalized racism and offered a foundation for a new era of democracy and social justice in South Africa. Mandela’s leadership emphasized reconciliation and nation-building, making him an iconic figure in the global struggle for human rights.