This Day in History: <br />Nelson Mandela Is <br />Inaugurated in South Africa May 10, 1994 Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela had <br />been a political prisoner in <br />South Africa for 27 years. In 1964, under the racist regime <br />of apartheid instituted by the National Party, Mandela had been convicted <br />and sentenced to life in prison <br />on charges of sabotage, <br />treason and conspiracy. While in prison, Mandela's resolve <br />was steadfast and he continued to <br />be the symbolic leader of the <br />anti-apartheid movement. Released by South African president <br />F.W. de Klerk on February 11, 1990, <br />Mandela led negotiations for the end of apartheid. Four years later, 22 million <br />South Africans would turn out <br />to vote for Mandela, electing him <br />the first black president of South Africa.