Nelson Mandela was a South African politician who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He fought against apartheid and racial discrimination his entire life, spending 27 years imprisoned for his activism. Mandela was a transformative leader who had a strong vision of bringing equal rights to all South Africans. He influenced many through his courage and dedication, empowering others to continue the struggle after his imprisonment. Mandela's leadership had a huge impact in dismantling apartheid and establishing democracy and racial equality in South Africa.