The first elected president of South Africa after apartheid was Nelson Mandela. Following years of struggle against the oppressive apartheid regime, Mandela, a leader of the African National Congress (ANC), became a symbol of resistance and reconciliation. In the historic 1994 elections, Mandela was elected as South Africa’s first Black president in a fully democratic vote, marking the end of decades of institutionalized racial segregation. His presidency focused on nation-building, fostering unity, and addressing the inequalities created by apartheid. Mandela’s leadership and commitment to peace and forgiveness earned him international acclaim and established him as a global icon for human rights.