Presidency of Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela, an anti-apartheid activist, lawyer and former political prisoner, was elected to the presidency of South Africa in 1994, following which he served one term in office (1994-99). He was the first non-white head of state in South African history, as well as the first to take office following the dismantling of apartheid and the introduction of multiracial democracy. Mandela was also the oldest head of state in South Africa's history, taking office at the age of 75.