Nelson Mandela was a prominent South African anti-apartheid revolutionary and political leader who served as the country's first Black president from 1994 to 1999. His contributions include leading the struggle against racial segregation under the apartheid regime, advocating for equality, and fostering national reconciliation. Mandela spent 27 years in prison, where he became a symbol of resilience and hope for oppressed populations. His leadership helped to unify a divided nation and laid the foundation for a democratic South Africa, making him an enduring global icon for human rights and justice.