Nelson Mandela is best known for his role in ending apartheid in South Africa. As a leader of the African National Congress, he fought against oppressive racial laws through both activism and negotiations. Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years, becoming a symbol of the anti-apartheid struggle worldwide. Upon his release, he played a crucial role in the transition to a multiracial democracy, advocating for reconciliation and healing. In 1994, Mandela was elected as South Africa’s first black president, exemplifying his lifelong commitment to justice and equality.