The first president of South Africa after the end of apartheid was Nelson Mandela. He took office on May 10, 1994, following the country’s first multiracial elections, which marked a significant moment in South African history. Mandela was a key figure in the struggle against apartheid, advocating for racial equality and justice. His presidency symbolized the transition from a divided society to one that aimed at reconciliation and nation-building. Mandela is celebrated worldwide for his leadership and commitment to peace and human rights, and he remains an enduring symbol of resistance against oppression.