Nelson Mandela was the first democratically elected President of South Africa and the leader of the Anti-Apartheid movement. He fought against racial discrimination his entire life and showed remarkable determination by continuing to work for equality after serving 27 years in prison. Mandela had an extraordinary personality with rare human qualities that allowed him to forgive his enemies and earn great respect worldwide. He proved that Africans are civilized people and worked to create a free and equal future for South Africa after the end of apartheid.