The key figure in the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa is Nelson Mandela. Mandela played a crucial role in the struggle against racial segregation and oppression, leading the African National Congress (ANC) in its fight for equality. He was imprisoned for 27 years for his activism, becoming a global symbol of resistance to apartheid. After his release, Mandela led negotiations to end apartheid and became South Africa's first Black president. His legacy includes promoting reconciliation and social justice, being a globally recognized advocate for human rights.